I recently read something that startled me: 40 percent of all food purchased in the United States is never consumed. That number translates to college campuses, too: the typical college student generates over 142 pounds of waste every year. In 2007, it is estimated that the planet as a whole wasted USD 750 billion worth of food alone, which is the equivalent of the GDP of Turkey or Switzerland. The impact that this waste has on the planet is enormous. Greenhouse gas emissions from food waste globally are like that of a large country: only the United States and China produce more emissions each year.
I know how tough it can be living the college student life and also worrying about my impact on the environment. So here are a few easy ways I've found to reduce not only food waste but also environmental impact in general.
1. Say no
This one is probably the most important thing I've learned in reducing my carbon footprint. It's way too easy to buy/take/receive new things without thinking about the process that led to their creation and the impact that it had on the planet. So take a few minutes one afternoon and think about a) what you need and b) what you want. I keep a list on my phone of both, and that way if I find myself tempted by something that's not on either list, I simply say no, keeping in mind that what I want right this second is not as important as what I want in the long run and what I want for the planet.
2. Reuse
Reuse, reuse, reuse! This is such a big one. Instead of using plastic/paper bags, invest in a few fun cloth bags that you can use for years and years. Forget about the BPA-ridden plastic water bottle and find a glass or steel bottle that is safe and sustainable. Before throwing away paper, use the other side for taking notes or brainstorming for a paper.
3. Shop vintage
I love to shop. It's basically my second nature. That said, in the last few months I've cut down on what I buy new and I've started buying second-hand and find that the prices are better, the styles more unique, and the impact on the planet is reduced by a ton! I'm a big fan of the website and app Poshmark, where you can sell and buy second-hand clothes and accessories with free shipping for sellers. I also started swapping clothes with friends, which is even easier! Just have a look around your town and see what vintage stores you can check out, you're almost guaranteed to find something you like!
4. Go reusable
Where possible, use reusable food containers, bowls, plates and cutlery. As a student I know all too well how easy it is to grab lunch to go and trash your disposable dishes on the way to class. However it's so easy to buy a set of reusable cutlery (like this reusable bamboo set) that will last years, and then just wash them when you're done5. Buy in bulk
If you don't have a dining plan, it can become pretty easy to rely on packages of microwavable food for sustenance. Not only are packaged foods generally more processed and thus more harmful for you, they are also responsible for 50% of trash by volume, and around 15% of the cost of every item. By buying in bulk, you can cut back on cost and ensure you're buying healthier, unprocessed foods. Nearly every city has a bulk food store, or you can just buy larger packages that contain more food per package. Just keep an eye out for "bulk packages" that are actually just regular, individual packages sold together.
