In Step with Students: Test Dig

Five SOU students were able to help with a recent archaeological test dig recently in the city of Bandon, Oregon. The test dig was set up in order to preserve the integrity of archaeological sites during construction. The students helped city crews dig small holes to view what may be underneath the site. Though their caution was thought to slow the initial construction, staff archaeologists have concluded that it will prevent accidental disruption later on. The city of Bandon hired SOU’s laboratory of anthropology to handle the advance testing, and the five SOU students accompanied the staff to the site. The work was expected to take approximately one week.

In Step with Student Life: How to Go Green!

Imagine this: your best friend approaches you over lunch, and proudly announces, “I’m going green!”. You smile and nod as if you truly know what this means, and visions of your friend living in a grass hut flash through your head. Then she turns to you and asks, “What are you doing to go green?”. You freeze. What do you say? What do you do? Here’s some easy ideas to help you understand the ways you, too, can “go green” and be truly eco-friendly and socially responsible (no grass hut needed!).

-Install a low-flow showerhead. These handy devices are more energy efficient and increase the flow of oxygen through your shower stream. They are relatively inexpensive and can quickly lower your water bill, making them a wise investment.

-Recycle your batteries. In some states, tossing those little double-A’s is actually illegal! You can visit www.call2recycle.org to learn more about properly disposing of all the batteries from your cell phone, flash lights, and video cameras.

-Take along a grocery tote. While running errands, tuck a folded tote into your purse. It can hold things like clothes, library books, or food, and you won’t be using plastic bags. You can find some classy looking ones at www.recycledbags.com, where the bags come in pretty prints and sturdy solids.

-Plug in at work. Find all the plugs in your office and plug them into a power strip (available at most electronic stores), so that you don’t forget to unplug large items like printers or modems. You can turn them all off and on at once.

-Clean green. Save money and keep harmful chemicals out of your home or dorm room by making your own cleaning supplies. With just a few ingredients, you can make your own. www.planetgreen.discovery.com has this recipe for window cleaner:

Window Cleaner

1/4-1/2 tsp liquid detergent


3 tbs vinegar


2 cups water


Put all the ingredients into a spray bottle, shake it up a bit, and use as you would a commercial brand. The soap in this recipe is important. It cuts the wax residue from the commercial brands you might have used in the past.

-Ditch the plastic. Invest in a good reusable water bottle, and tote it to the gym, the store, and on vacation. www.kleankanteen.com has functional and stylish water bottles, even eco-friendly sippy cups for little ones!

-Pump up your tires. Cars with properly inflated tires will get better gas mileage! This will save money and be better for your car. (Though if you want to truly go green, carpooling, biking, and walking will prevent any emissions into the environment!)

-Start early! Visit www.treesandtots.com for beautiful, all natural toys and natural skin care products for babies and their parents. The site also has non-toxic glass baby bottles and plastic-free silicone bottle nipples and pacifiers.

-Give green. Even when purchasing wedding, baby, and birthday presents, you can choose all-natural and organic gifts that anyone would appreciate. www.greengiftguide.com is a terrific resource, full of approved “green” retailers. www.alchemygoods.com offers recycled products that are both modern and environmentally friendly.