College students always want to save the world. But often those grand ideas seem distant and the impact seems impossible. But don't get discouraged! There are things every college student can do right now to help save our world! And I mean, "save our world," in a rather literal sense. Here are a few ways to go green while you're in college.
Reusable Shopping Bag
Not only do reusable shopping bags reduce plastic use, they can be really fun! Thanks to the wonders of the internet, there are almost unlimited options! So find one that makes you smile!
Shop with Awareness
Do your best to be a conscious consumer when you're at the grocery store and at the mall. This is especially true when it comes to food. As college students, this is the first time in our lives that we are in charge of everything we eat. If you're like me, you're on a tight grocery budget, but that doesn't mean that you can't make some environmentally friendly choices where it matters. If you eat a lot of eggs, make a point to buy free range. Don't be afraid to pay a few cents more for ethical brands. Just do some coupon searching beforehand and sign up for your grocery store rewards program and you'll probably make up the money and feel better about what you're putting in your body.
Eat Less Red Meat
Meat takes A LOT of water to produce, especially larger animals like cows. You can reduce your impact by weening yourself off a meat-heavy diet, especially if you reduce your beef consumption. Not to mention, meat is expensive! As a college student on a budget, it just makes sense. The earth, your wallet, and your doctor, will applaud you.
Compost & Donate
Just because you're garden-less in a dorm room or apartment doesn't mean you can't compost. No garden, no problem! Just donate the goodies to your local community garden. You can help detract from our methane crisis and promote community life! (Use the stainless steal charcoal filter compost bin featured above to collect kitchen scraps. Just $20 on Amazon!)
Carpool
Getting in the habit of carpooling makes sense, especially in college when you share activities with friends that you live close to, or even with! Do you have roommates? Do those roommates need groceries? Odds are, the answer to both is yes. So how about everyone goes together!
Recycle
Most of what we throw away is actually recyclable. This is one of the easiest things to do, because you don't have to change anything about your lifestyle and it's free! If you don't have a recycling bin outside of your apartment or duplex, check your city's waste management website to find out whether your college town offers free recycling. If it does, the city will bring you the large bin free of charge.
Educate yourself
In a country with a lot of climate change denial, and a general lack of understanding regarding the environment, it's important that you are able to articulate your views and back them up with science. This isn't so that you can pick a fight, no one likes that person! It's just important to understand what you believe. And this way, if someone backs you into a corner, you won't end up looking foolish.
Stay Informed
Sign up for emails from organizations like Green Peace and Sierra Club. Read the paper and tune in to any significant votes coming up nationally and in your area. Just knowing what's going on raises awareness and gives you the chance to speak out on the issues that matter to you.
Vote
Thanks to this marvelous system we call democracy, you have the responsibility of the vote! So head to the polls and let your voice make an impact. Speak for those trees!
Write Your Congressman
Now that you're all informed, let your representative know which issues and upcoming votes are important to you. I used to work in a political archive and read A LOT of interesting letters that people wrote to congressman. So I suggest that you write with intelligence and respect to the person who is related to the issue you are addressing. Otherwise, you're not going to get much accomplished besides entertaining a future archivist. However, as long as you're writing intelligently, respectfully, and to the right person, then that's awesome! Representatives work for the people, so let them know that the people are watching to see how they handle environmental issues.
Stay Inspired
Caring about the earth is a noble endeavor so don't let yourself get burned out! Watch that documentary that you've been wanting to see. Read a book that makes you care. Geek out with your other environmentalist friends about how important it all is. Go on a hike, soak in the beauty, and remember what it's all about.
