As the world population increases, our ecological footprint becomes a lot more detrimental to our resources. As more people become aware the "Go Green" movement has now gone from a hippy ideal to a governmental priority.
The thing is that these campaigns often seem so complicated and elaborate. As a college student, I can say that only buying organic is expensive, growing my own food is not a choice when I live in a dorm. So how can college students help the go green movement ?
I have five simple ways that can help us make a difference.
1. Skip plastic bags
Reusable bags can be bought at an grocery store for $1. This will minimize the amount of bags you have to through away and the number of bags you have to carry home.
Americans use and dispose of 100 billion plastic shopping bags each year and less than 5 percent are recycled. That's a lot of plastic going to the wrong place.2. Reuse and recycle textbooks
Many websites sell college textbooks and at a much more reasonable price than a university bookstore. Students often even sell old textbooks on personal campus Facebook pages.
You are reducing the pollution that comes from making these textbooks from the landfills.
3. Unplug
Many of us our guilty of this one but we do not even realize it. When you leave your electronics plugged in that creates damage.
It is as easy as unplugging your appliances when aren't using them. This includes chargers and outlets.
Also, if you live off campus your wallet will thank you.
4. Give those old clothes life again
When we get bored of our old clothes, we tend to think that is the end our their life. Wrong. There is so much more out there for it.
Donating clothes is a great way to reduce your footprint. Admit it, we are broke college kids, so sometimes you can find secondhand stores that will buy your clothes and re-sell it. On my campus we have Runway Fashion Exchange that is a great option. If you just want to donate then find your local Goodwill or Salvation Army.
5. Think about your bottle
You might not think that reusing a water bottle matters but it does.
Buy a glass bottle to reduce the pollution from the production of plastic. If you don't trust yourself with a glass bottle then go BPA free.
There are many ways we can reduce the amount of pollution that is happening even when we are in college. So get informed and advocate what you know.
