Just because Earth Day is over doesn’t mean you should go back to your hooked-up, artificially-lit life. And if you feel like your footprint is too big and unsalvageable, don’t give up! Yes, I know most of the world’s pollution is caused by huge companies and factories, and our individual behaviors are essentially minuscule in the grand scheme of things. However, there are 7 billion people in the world, and if most of us incorporate simple changes into our routines, that’s something. Also, if we consumers start buying and demanding ecologically-friendly and sustainable products, then those huge companies will get the message and give the people what they want.
Here are 21 completely reasonable ways to be a little kinder to Mother Nature.
1. Carry a water bottle
It can be a convenience or an accessory (my $5 water bottle is beautiful), and carrying a bottle around just might be the motivation you need to start drinking more water.
2. Refillable cups
I'm a person who usually gets two or three large Tim Horton's coffees a day. After a while, I was disgusted by the amount of plastic I was using. So I bought a refillable cup, and now I get 10 cents off every time. (More money for more coffee!) You can also get a Starbucks refillable cup for only $2 with the plain logo, hearts or butterflies.
3. Reusable shopping bags
You can definitely find cheap bags, and campus events may even give them out for free!
4. Get crafty!
There are endless craft ideas online made out of anything you can possibly think of. I've seen steps to make paper towel roll flowers and jump ropes out of plastic bags. Will it turn out like the picture on Pinterest? That's debatable. But it'll be loads of fun to try!
5. Unplug it
Even if you're not using an appliance, it'll still use up energy if it's plugged in. Try to unplug everything while you're not using it, including your kitchen appliances, your laptop and maybe even the TV.
6. Turn it off!
Like many of you, I am no stranger to technology. Right now, I am listening to Spotify on my phone, typing on a library computer, and looking at my laptop. But sometimes it's just too much, and it's better for the environment and better for us if we physically turn it off for an hour a day. Go for a walk with a friend, practice a hobby or learn to meditate. If you absolutely need the technology, you can at least turn off your computer at night.
7. Lights off
It’s getting sunny out, so you probably don’t need to keep the lights on all day. Let the sun shine in! Also, please remember to turn off the lights whenever you leave a room. (It's a personal pet peeve of mine.) You’ll definitely appreciate this habit once you start paying utilities too.
8. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth
This one really makes me gnash my teeth. There is absolutely no reason to keep the water running while brushing your teeth. Heck, I sometimes shut the water off while rubbing soap on my hands. Just turn it off, and everyone will be happy.
9. Plant a garden
It's probably not very feasible on a college campus, but think about it when you visit home. Planting your own food will definitely save you money on groceries, and vegetables won’t come in unnecessary plastic. You can grow vegetables, fruit and herbs inexpensively. And now I'm thinking about zucchini bread and lemony minty water. Mmmm...
10. Meatless Monday (or Meatless Every day!)
Animal agriculture is responsible for 10 to 25 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the world, and 80 percent of agriculture emissions come from livestock. Most of these emissions are methane and nitrous oxide. It also takes 1,850 gallons of water to make a pound of beef. Reducing your meat consumption for just one day a week (or more) helps animals, the environment and your health.
11. Use fewer paper towels
I’m guilty of reaching for a paper towel after every minor spill, and there are many spills in my life. Paper towels run out fast, and college students don’t want to waste their money on cleaning supplies. Replace the paper towels with a sponge or rag; just make sure you occasionally wash it.
12. Print double-sided
College printers usually have a double-sided option before printing, so use it! It may seem like nothing, but it adds up considering all the essays and articles throughout the semester. Plus, sometimes you’ll save some money printing double-sided, which means you can print out even more articles to highlight! (Yay!)
13. Use scrap paper
At the end of the year, you are probably never going to look at most of your notes and worksheets ever again. If you’re getting rid of them, definitely recycle, but think about keeping old worksheets for notes and scrap paper for later.
14. Cut back on using disposable silverware
College dining halls usually carry disposable silverware, and I’m not sure I want to know how much plastic is thrown away each day because of it. When you’re sitting down to eat, definitely grab the washable utensils, and don’t be afraid to be that person who brings his or her own silverware.
15. Be a conscious consumer
When you buy paper or beauty products, try to get sustainable or biodegradable brands. You can get high-quality plates, cups and other necessities at greenpaperproducts.com, and look for the Cruelty Free logo when shopping at stores! Some cheap brands are sustainable too; you just have to look at the products before you buy them. Like I said, if more people buy eco-friendly brands, there will be more of them.
16. Carpool
Any reduction of emission is beneficial, no matter how small. Carpool whenever you can, and you can use the special lanes to get there faster. Even better, take a bike or walk places. Fresh air is good for the soul, and it’s better for the Earth!
17. Recycle
Pretty self-explanatory -- just make sure you clean them first!
18. DIY
Making homemade products is fun, and they won't come in plastic containers you continuously throw away. Homemade beauty products are usually better for you, and you can store them in fancy mason jars. There are countless recipes online for shampoos, deodorants, toothpaste and anything else you can think of. You just have to find what works best for you. Be that person who gives homemade face scrubs or cookie dough in a mason jar as a gift, and be proud of it!
19. Hand in cans and bottles for money
It's basically free money; need I say more?
20. Research
Learn what products are the most ecologically friendly, and look for more ways to live more sustainably. Learn how to compost or learn what plants are best for your area. Basically, learn how to help, and then incorporate the ways that work best for you.
21. Go outside!
It might not be the best idea to leave your phone at home while hiking, but just being outside might give you a new-found appreciation for Mother Nature and the motivation to start reducing your consumption.
I'm not proposing anything too drastic, and you've probably already heard of most of these options. But most of us (myself included) just don't get around to many of these things. For most of them it takes one moment of effort to alter your routine, and then you're set. So I urge you to pick a few (or all) of these simple things and incorporate them into your daily routine or make a suggestion to a friend. If you hold it off, you won't do it. So do it today, or better yet, do it right now!
