For the newly graduated High School student, and their parents, college is just around the corner. Summer is coming to an end and it’s time to start thinking about where your students are going to be living while away at college. Here are a few tips to help keep your dorm room “green” and clean, for only a few bucks.

Problem #1: Space, or lack thereof.

First of all, tackle space efficiency by bringing along storage containers that can fit beneath your bed or desk. The containers, which are usually made with plastic #5, are sturdy and durable for years of use, after which they can be recycled.

Secondly, make the most of natural sunlight by opening your window blinds. This can also help regulate your internal clock and reduce the need for an alarm.

For your desk and floor lamps, use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), which use 75 percent less energy than conventional incandescent, are brighter and last 10 times as long. Make sure to turn them off when not in use.

Problem #2: Your roommate doesn’t obey the laws of recycling

First, find out what can be recycled at your school. Then, set up clearly marked bins in a visible spot, like next to the refrigerator, for recyclables like plastic water bottles, aluminum cans, glass and paper (but use it as scrap first!). Agree on a schedule to take out the bins when they get full.

Problem #3: It’s hot, and there’s no air conditioning

Fans will keep a small space cool, while operating with a fraction of the energy costs of AC. In fact, a 42-inch ceiling fan on high uses only 2 percent of the energy as does a central air system, and about 8 percent of the energy as does a medium-sized AC window unit. Though you’re not paying the utilities bill, it’s interesting to note that fans cost less than a penny per hour to run.

Also remember that using CFLs will keep your room cooler because they don’t heat up as quickly as incandescent bulbs.

Problem #4: There aren’t enough outlets for all your technical gadgets

Come ready with power strips. These little guys are energy-efficient because they can easily be shut off while your printer, phone and laptop charger aren’t in use. Be sure to unplug individual appliances or even the power strip to reduce phantom energy usage.

Problem #5: You need some more green tips!

Let’s throw in a few extra for good measure.

Reuse your old notebooks, or buy ones that are made with recycled paper. Buy toilet paper and paper towels with recycled content in them, and use green cleaning supplies, like the ones offered by Seventh Generation. Instead of throwing out plastic bags, use them to line your trash cans. Lastly, explore your energy-efficient laptop options using the Energy Star website.

Most of this BLOG was written by Chloe Skye, an Editorial Intern for www.Earth911.com. She is currently an English and Environmental Studies major at Queens College in New York.