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º£½ÇÔ­´´ students have the opportunity to exercise their green thumbs by participating in the Campus Conservation Nationals 2010 three-week energy-saving competition beginning Nov. 1. The Office of Sustainability and Residence Services has teamed up to compete against 40 of the nation's colleges and universities in an energy-saving competition that will measure which school can reduce electricity and water use the most. Other Ohio participants include Bowling Green State University, Miami University, Oberlin College and The University of Akron. All of º£½ÇÔ­´´'s residence halls will be participating in this year's competition. In addition to the main contest, students are also able to take part in a light switch cover challenge to encourage fellow students to save electricity by turning off lights when they leave common areas. Other energy-saving tips include:  Using power strips to switch off televisions, home theatre equipment and stereos when not in use. Enabling the "sleep mode" on your computer, allowing it to use less power during periods of inactivity. Using a blow-dryer less often and for a shorter period of time. Turning off the water while brushing your teeth. Taking shorter showers. In last year's competition, the Centennial residence halls reduced their energy usage by about 27 percent, the largest reduction on the Kent Campus. The residence halls saw a combined 12 percent reduction in energy usage. To find out more about the Campus Conservation Nationals 2010 competition, visit . By Brittany Macchiarola Posted Oct. 25, 2010