Environmental and Financial Wellness

The 2 newly added dimensions of wellness-- Environmental and Financial--may have you confused.

Here are some helpful tips that should clear up the questions of how you can improve your wellness in these aspects:

• Practice sustainability.
  

Bike, carpool, or take public transportation instead of driving.

• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
  

Did you know that in San Diego County, our recycling facilities can only take #1 and #2 recyclables (water bottles and milk containers)? Yogurt containers--while typically recyclable--can't be processed here. The city of San Diego Recycling Program has a list of what can and cannot be recycled: http://www.sandiego.gov/environmental-services/recycling/list.shtml

Thinking about throwing your old batteries away? THINK AGAIN! Batteries require special recycling because of their toxic chemicals. Public libraries and on campus at Earl's Place or any of the Residential Life offices, you can find battery recycling stations.

Done with that old cell phone? Organizations like Cell Phones for Soldiers (http://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/) will send you a free mailer for you to send your phone in. Post offices in San Diego county also offer free mailers so you can send your phone in to be recycled.

• Keep a balanced budget.
  

Do you know how much tuition and fees will cost you next year? It's important to know how much your bills and expenses will cost you each month and for the year. Planning early prevents stress later of late charges or not having enough money to pay your bills.

Only 1 credit card is necessary. Having more credit cards open doesn't necessarily help your credit score. It is good to have 1 credit card with a lower interest rate that you can afford to pay off each month.