Being eco-friendly probably isn’t the first thing on your mind when you head to college this fall. You will be ripping through all your belongings that have been packaged and stored in boxes and plastic, and you will probably mindlessly throw all that packaging away. However, it’s important to take some time to recognize the impact you can make by doing a few things that are environmentally friendly. There are lots of ways to live a little more sustainably on a college campus; you just need to be more conscious of your carbon footprint. My college makes being sustainable a little easier with options to recycle and they offer reusable food containers. But for a college campus that doesn’t provide these commodities, or for anyone looking to be a little more “green,” here are some tips on how to live more sustainably in college:
1. When unpacking on move-in day, recycle all your plastic wrap and cardboard.
There is probably recycling somewhere in your hallway, don’t be lazy
2. Use egg crates to move your belongings into your dorm.
These are easier to carry than boxes and reusable in many ways.
3. Use reusable containers instead of plastic bags.
If you like plastic bags better, just save those and use them twice before throwing them away.
4. Use a reusable water bottle.
Many campuses provide filtered water stations all over campus to refill your water bottle.
5. Bring energy efficient lightbulbs.
These are great for any extra lamps you have in your dorm!
6. In the dining hall, only take as much as you think you need for one serving.
You can always go back for more. It’s better to have to go back than end up wasting food!
7. Use public transportation.
Most colleges provide transportation to get just about anywhere you need to go, take advantage of that!
8. If you're not using public transportation, carpool with friends.
Ask friends when they're going to the grocery store or convenient store and carpool together.
9. Bring your own to-go container.
If your school doesn’t offer to-go containers bring your own so you can avoid flimsy plastic containers that can only be used once.
10. Save grocery bags.
These can be used as trash can liners!
11. Shut your lights off before leaving your room.
It's that simple!
12. Be careful what you print.
Be mindful of how much and how often you are printing, sometimes you can’t help it, but just be aware!
13. Bring reusable coffee mugs.
You can get these filled at Dunkin' Donuts or Starbucks instead of using plastic cups!
