how to be eco-friendly in college
Start writing a post
Arts Entertainment

10 Ways To Save The Environment As A College Student

Go green.

Jessica Moore
Aug 01, 2018
University of Southern Mississippi
346
10 Ways To Save The Environment As A College Student
Nathan Walker

With all the hustle and bustle of college life, most students feel as though they don't have time to worry about the environment. However, college students are the future of our world. If our generation doesn't advocate for environmental protection, who will?

Luckily, there are plenty of simple and inexpensive ways to go green without changing your daily life. Here are 10 ways to save the environment as a college student:

1. Take notes on your laptop

Mikayla Mallek

Reduce paper waste and take notes on your laptop. The best thing about taking digital notes is all of your study materials are in one place plus you can make copies and find info with the click of a button. Unfortunately, many professors don't allow laptops in class, so be careful not to get in trouble.

2. Only print what you need

Bluesnap

This is such a simple way to reduce paper waste. Edit papers digitally and only print when you're ready. Only print the important pages of that eight page syllabus. We all know how expensive printing on campus can be, but this tip can save you time and money. If you have your own printer, this saves tons of ink while reducing waste.

3. Power down when you can

Benjamin Voros

For students living off-campus, you normally do this anyway after receiving your first electricity bill. However, for on-campus students, remembering to turn off your lights, TV or fan can be tricky. Even if you're not the one paying the bills, its still smart to power down your electronics when you aren't using them.

4. Take shorter, colder showers

tookapic

Taking a long, hot shower or bath is hands-down the best way to unwind after a long, hard day of classes and work. Who doesn't love singing in the shower to hype yourself up for the day ahead of you? Unfortunately, those 45-minute concerts or cry sessions waste water and energy. Try to take shorter, colder showers to reduce water waste and energy used to warm the water.

5. Walk or bike to class

Free-Photos

Skipping a car ride can help cut down the emission of greenhouse gases entering the environment from cars. Walking or biking also boosts your energy, helps you get fit and saves a ton of money on gas.

6. Opt for reusable or zero-waste products

9355

I'm sure by now everyone has heard about the save the turtles movement in which people are refusing to use single use straws. While doing this is great, there are so many other reusable or zero-waste products that you can incorporate into your daily life. For instance, reusable grocery bags and water bottles are a simple and low-cost swap to reduce plastic waste.

7. Recycle

imordaf

Many colleges have programs for students that makes recycling easy. Some colleges even reward students for recycling on campus. Even if your college doesn't offer recycling, most towns do. Some stores like Target and Wal-Mart even have recycling areas inside the stores. Don't be afraid to ask school or government officials if there is a program available to you. If you want to go a step further, start your own recycling program on campus!

8. Shop smarter, not harder

Melissa Askew

Do your research to learn what brands produce eco-friendly, ethical and sustainable products. An easy way to shop smarter is to buy organic products and shop locally at places like farmer's markets. This tip can be hard for college students as many eco-friendly products are more expensive than regular products.

9. Buy in bulk

StockSnap

Buying is bulk is my favorite way to shop. Not only does this save packaging and allow for less waste, it also saves so much money in the long run. Grab your roommate or a friend and split a Sam's Club membership, which is only $45 per year. This tip is more targeted to students who live off-campus, but buying snacks and other items in bulk can also help dorm dwellers.

10. Let the world know you care

Ana Bernardo

The best way to make an impact is to encourage others to start a movement. Re-post eco-friendly articles on your social media. Challenge your friends and family to go green. Share tips and tricks to saving the environment with others. Call your local government representatives and let them know that you, along with your generation, care about our environment and demand change.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

Siena College
15080
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
small towns
Relationships

Grateful Beyond Words: A Letter to My Inspiration

I have never been so thankful to know you.

University of New Haven
292686
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Smith College
89709
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
waitlisted
Swoon

Navigating the Talking Stage: 21 Essential Questions to Ask for Connection

It's mandatory to have these conversations.

National Writers Society
152133
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
single life
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

Marist College
62062
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments