1. Use Reusable Bags
Plastic grocery-type bags that get thrown out end up in landfills or in
other parts of the environment. These can suffocate animals who get
stuck in them or may mistake them for food. Also, it takes a while for
the bags to decompose.
Whether you are shopping for food, clothes or books, use a reusable bag.
This cuts down on litter and prevents animals from getting a hold of
them. There are even some stores (such as Target) that offer discounts
for using reusable bags!
These bags are useful for things other than shopping as well. I have
heard of people using reusable bags when they move!
If you forget your bags at home, buy a new one. Better yet, keep a
couple bags in your car so you never leave home without them (just make
sure you remember you put them there)!
If you are in a position where you need to use the plastic bags, reuse
them the next time you go shopping, or use them for something else. Just
do not be so quick to throw them out!
There are some states that are outlawing or charging extra for using
plastic bags. Using reusable bags helps the environment AND your budget!
2. Print as Little as Necessary
We have all had that teacher that wanted us to have a copy of every
single reading when we come to class, or that professor who wanted a
hard copy of the ten-page paper that is due next week. These are fine
but it seems as if they do not understand that using so much paper is
detrimental to the environment.
What can you do? Ask your teacher if you can bring a laptop or an
e-reader to class so that you can download the reading onto that and
read it from there. If not, print on both sides of the page to reduce
the amount of paper used.
If you need to turn in a long paper, ask the professor if it is okay to
print on both sides of the page and explain why you’re asking. Most
teachers care about the environment as well and would be willing to
allow you to do so.
3. Recycle
Recycling is such a simple thing to do, but so many people don’t do it.
Many garbage disposal companies offer recycling services, so check with
the company you use to see if they can help you get started! It is as
simple as getting a bin and putting it out with your trash cans for
free!
Also, check with your RA to see if recycling options are offered in your
dorm.
Another way to recycle is to look for recycling cans near trashcans.
Instead of throwing recyclables in the trash with your non-recyclables,
make a point to take an extra step to locate recycling cans around your
campus.
4. Use a Reusable Beverage Containers
Instead of buying individually-packaged drinks, consider buying a bulk
container of the beverage you want and buying a reusable water bottle.
Not only will this help the environment, but it will also help you save
money since you are buying a bulk container.
Many campuses offer water fountains designed for drinking as well as for
refilling reusable water bottles. Make use of these fountains
throughout the day when you finish off the initial beverage.
Along these lines, many restaurants offer reusable containers for
drinks. If you go to a certain place a lot, consider buying one of these
containers to help minimize waste.
A lot of coffee shops even offer a discount to customers who use a
reusable container for their drinks. Starbucks, as an example, offers a
small discount for customers who do this. Saving the environment and
money? Win-win.
5. Don’t Throw Your Notes Away
At the end of the semester, students are often stuck with notes they
don’t need anymore, especially from GenEd classes that had little, if
anything, to do with their major.
The good news is that teachers that teach GenEd classes have to keep
their material consistent with guidelines from the college/university.
This means that students next semester will be learning basically the
same material you learned from a class.
If you took great notes, ask your teacher to connect you with students
in a future class so that you can give them your notes. These notes will
help students by being able to read what they are learning in the words
of another student. It is beneficial to read things that are worded
differently than what the teacher said. You may need to find a student
on your own, depending on the teacher’s load for the semester.
It will feel great to help others taking the same class! You can list
your notes on online college boards. While some may be willing to buy
the notes at a price, it will feel just as good giving them your notes
for free since you are helping them out!
Also, other student organizations may appreciate notes. At the community
college I attended, the Veteran’s Club had a separate building for
resources. They had an area for textbooks used by students, and they
could check the books out for a semester, and many people would bundle
notes in with the books. Ask around to see if any organization has
something like this.
If you can’t find anyone to give the notes to, at the very least,
recycle the paper you used.
6. Save Electricity!
Use energy-efficient light bulbs instead of regular bulbs. They last
longer, which will save you a bit of money (every little bit helps on a
college budget, right?).
Make you turn off lights, the TV, and other appliances when you are not
using them.
Lower your air conditioning or heat when it’s not necessary. This is
especially true for between seasons. Open your windows in the early fall
or layering your clothes in the early fall.
7. Save Water
Water is wasted more frequently than we can see. Turn off the faucet as
you are brushing your teeth. Don’t turn your shower on until you’re
ready to get in and wash your hair. Limit your water usage as you wash
dishes. Changing old habits will be good for both the environment and
your wallet!
8. Avoid Taking Cars or Carpool When Possible
Cars are harmful to the environment. Taking public transportation,
walking, or riding a bike to class are better options that help the
environment and your budget, as well as getting some exercise in!
If you do need to use your car, compare schedules and places of
residency with those in your classes. You can split the cost of gas and
have alternating schedules for who drives when. This is cheaper than
everyone driving separately and you’ll be closer with friends!
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