With the rise of "green" living, it can be daunting as a college student to watch others switch their lifestyle to one that is more sustainable. As they buy bamboo straws and stop buying fast fashion, it's easy to see the costs piling up and become discouraged. However, adopting sustainable practices while in college is easier than you think.
Below are a few (simple) ways to become more "green" without spending too much.
Walk, bike, or take public transportation as much as possible.
As often as you can, try to walk, bike, or even skateboard to class or around your campus. While affording a bike is often over a college students budget, there are now more and more bike shares, often only costing you a few cents a minute. If you can, try using your local public transportation instead of Uber to get to places in your college town.
Use a reusable water bottle and coffee/tea mug.
This one is said a lot, but that's because it's so easy to do! And, more-often-than-not you can get a discount at a coffee shop when you bring in a reusable mug (looking at you Starbucks!).
Cut down on water use.
Turn off the water while you brush your teeth, wash your face or wash your dishes. Shorten your showers if you can. Only do laundry when you have a full load.
Use a reusable bag.
If you don't have a reusable bag, ask for a paper bag! If you only have a few items and think you can manage without a bag, don't even ask for one.
Cut back on meat consumption.
You don't have to go vegan or vegetarian to help out the planet, but reducing how often you eat meat (or how much) can cut down on the amount of greenhouse gas emissions the livestock industry produces. Try the favorite Meatless Monday fad or replace a meal with a vegetarian one.
