Ask around, and most people will tell you that their time in college was one of their best – making friends, experimenting with different hairstyles, interacting with people from different cultures, and learning different world views. However, as beneficial as college can be for one’s mental and social development, it can also take a toll on the environment.
If you’re not careful, your carbon footprint in college could be much larger than it was in high school. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to be more sustainable in college without sacrificing your fun or your grades. Especially when a top do my assignment writing service, DoMyEssay can take care of the latter.
Here are ten easy tips to successfully reduce your carbon footprint while in college.
Make a Plan Before You Shop
Before you visit the stores or order anything online, take a minute to think about what you already have and what you genuinely need. Do you need new shoes for your friend’s party next weekend? Or would something you already have in your wardrobe work just as well? Do you need the latest iPhone model, or can you make do with the one you have since it is in perfect working condition?
Buy in Bulk
Every extra dollar matters in college and could come in handy when you need to find a reliable paper writing service and pay a professional writer to help me write my dissertation or complete an almost-due assignment.
A great way to save extra money and reduce packaging waste is to purchase most household supplies in bulk. You’ll save money and generate less waste when you buy larger quantities of items like toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent, and snacks. Moreover, most stores offer discounts for bulk purchases, so be sure to take advantage of those.
Carry Reusable Bags
Avoid plastic bags, and instead, invest in reusable shopping bags. You can find them for cheap at most stores, or you can make your own out of an old t-shirt or pillowcase if you enjoy crafting. If you forget to bring your reusable bags, consider carrying what you can in your arms.
Bring Your Own Cup
If you love coffee or tea, bring your own mug or thermos from home to fill up at the cafe instead of using a disposable cup. Most restaurants even give their clients a discount for bringing their cups. And if you’re looking to save money, make coffee or tea at home before going out and bring it with you in a travel mug.
Consider Public Transportation or Carpooling
If you have the option, take the bus or train instead of driving everywhere. It is great for the environment and can save you a considerable amount of gas money. If you have to, try carpooling with friends whenever possible.
Avoid Single-Use Products
Disposable items like plastic straws, plastic utensils, and napkins are not only bad for the environment but also more expensive in the long run. Instead, invest in quality reusable plates and silverware. Having reusable utensils is beneficial as you can use them repeatedly for years.
Compost
You can compost things like food scraps, yard waste, paper products, etc. If you’re unsure how to do it and what is compostable or non-compostable, there is a lot of useful information that’s readily available online. You can also inquire from your institution’s sustainability office. And if your school has a composting program, take advantage of that.
Recycle
Before you throw something away, see if it can be recycled. Most campuses have recycling bins for paper, plastic, and glass. You can also recycle aluminum cans and certain types of plastic. If you’re unsure what can be recycled, look it up.
Volunteer at Cleanup Drives
A fun and engaging way to help environmental preservation is to participate in cleanup events. Many college campuses host regular cleanups, or you can join an environmental group on campus. Not only will you be helping to clean up your community, but you’ll also get to meet like-minded people.
Educate Yourself and Others About Sustainability
One of the best things you can do for the environment is to educate yourself and others about sustainability. Read articles, watch documentaries, and talk to your friends about ways to be more sustainable. The higher the number of informed individuals, the more we can collectively do to help the environment.
Why Is Leading a Sustainable College Life Important?
There are many reasons why leading a sustainable college life matters. For one, it’s vital for the environment. Lowering your waste output, composting, and repurposing helps reduce human beings’ impact on the planet.
Secondly, sustainable living can also save you money in the long term. Purchasing reusable items and staying away from single-use ones allows you to significantly cut your expenses.
Finally, sustainable living is fun. You get to meet individuals who share this interest and make new friends. By volunteering for cleanups or joining an environmental group, you’ll meet other people passionate about sustainability.
Conclusion
Leading a sustainable college life is essential for many reasons. It’s good for the environment, saves money, and is a great way to meet new people. These are easy tips to live more sustainably, so you don’t have an excuse not to try!
