Sheets and Comforter
Natural fiber, bamboo, organic cotton sheets These are grown without using harsh chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Also bamboo plants absorb about 5 times the amount of carbon dioxide (a primary greenhouse gas) and produce about 35% more oxygen than an equivalent stand of trees.

 Water Bottles
Reusable water bottles are available all over the place-including right on campus at the University Bookstore. The company that produces SIGG brand bottles, like these, gives a share of profits to environmental organizations. Eight out of ten single-serving plastic bottles are not recycled. Bottled water is extremely energy inefficient, because it has to be transported over long distances. 1.5 million tons of plastic are used each year to bottle water. Buried water bottles can take up to 1,000 years to biodegrade.

 Coffee and Snacks
Shade-grown coffee causes less damage to the soil, and organically grown coffee frees workers from working with dangerous chemicals. When possible, buying local produce and snacks saves on shipping costs. Both mainstream and health food stores sell foods grown without pesticides.

 Cleaning Supplies
Choose environmentally safe, biodegradable cleaning products that are free of all the problematic chemicals such as nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) and alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs). When possible, choose powders over liquids. Powders are more efficient to ship and require less water. Open Harvest is a good starting point, but chain stores are also starting to stock green products.

 "Recycled" furniture, dishware and canisters
Save cash, natural resources and production and shipping costs by choosing secondhand furniture, kitchen utensils and dishware over new products. Funky designs and elegant china-as well as coffeemakers and other small appliances - are available at Goodwill and other thrift stores. Just a caution to keep bedbugs and other critters at bay: If you don't know for sure if something isn't bedbug-free, don't use it.

 Light bulb
A 22-watt compact fluorescent light bulb has about the same light output as a 100-watt incandescent. CFLs use 50-80 percent less energy than incandescents, and they last significantly longer.

 Digital Thermostat
Monitoring your thermostat is one of the easiest ways you can save energy and money, and help fight global warming. Newly installed in many UNL dorm rooms, individual thermostats let students set the temperature for their rooms. Adjust your thermostat to run less when you are out of the room.

 School Supplies
University Bookstore is featuring displays of recycled and environmentally friendly school supplies, including pens, pencils, notebooks and even "green books" for exams. Recycled printer paper is available everywhere. One ton of recycled paper saves 17 trees, 7,000 gallons of water, and 380 gallons of oil.

 Computer
Once they're thrown away, many technological appliances, including computers, end up in landfills in developing countries. To date, Apple has the most established recycling program of all the major computer retailers. Also, consider a refurbished computer rather than a new one-you'll save money and resources.

 Power Strip
71.4 percent of the USA's electricity is generated via fossil fuel. Burning of these fossil fuels creates greenhouse gases. Home electronic products use energy when they're off to power features like clock displays and remote controls. Plugging electronics into a power strip that can be turned off saves significant amounts of energy and reduces energy costs.

 Bicycle
Soaring gas prices aren't the only reason to jump on a bike. Exercise and convenience are also benefits of cycling, and as an added bonus bikes don't pump toxic emissions into the environment. If you need to drive, combine errands to save mileage-and fuel.

 Lamps
Find stylish vintage and antique lamps and accessories at thrift stores and garage sales. This beauty was $3.99 at Goodwill. Make sure to use with an energy-smart light bulb.

 Pillows
Pillows filled with recycled fibers are available online and from mainstream home stores. Throw pillows from garage sales add color and texture.

 Furniture
Furniture and magazine basket all purchased second-hand. Furnish a study nook for less than the cost of a pair of new jeans.

 Rug
Use a rug from home rather than buy new, or buy a new one that's constructed from recycled or renewable fibers.

 Personal care products
Choose organic, cruelty-free products made with ingredients that are grown and harvested in a sustainable manner. Most eco-friendly personal care products are equivalent in price to salon and drug store items. A few examples:

• Recycled razors - Recycline/Preserve razors are not only recyclable, they are made from Stonyfield Farm yogurt containers. Available at Open Harvest.
• Local Soap - Locally made Pumpkin Moon-brand lavender soap is made with Nebraska soybean oil. Available at Open Harvest.
• Aubrey Organics - Aubrey Organics products contain only herbal and plant extracts, and no synthetic additives or petrochemicals. In 1994, they became the first personal care manufacturer to be certified as an organic processor. The factory is regularly inspected and certified according to standards set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Organic Program.

 A More Sustainable Towel
When selecting new towels, look for those made from organic cotton. Both Target and Bed, Bath and Beyond carry them, however you may have to shop their online stores for the best selection. Towels made from hemp, bamboo and other sustainable products are also growing in popularity.

 Reusable Tote
Paper or Plastic? Neither. Reusable shopping and tote bags are available at most grocery stores for a minimal price. Keep them in your car or backpack.