How to Live Sustainably as a College Student
Posted: April 03, 2024 | Author: Fae Dutson | Read Time: 4 minutes
Sustainability, meaning to reduce pollution and waste in our environment by living a more eco-friendly lifestyle, is more important now than ever. It is key to maintaining both a beautiful campus and a healthy planet, but as college students, it can be hard to achieve sustainability in one’s daily routine. That being said, here are five easy ways that college students can be eco-friendly!
Tip #1: Invest in a Reusable Water Bottle
Plastic water bottles create a lot of plastic waste and are one of the most common pollutants made by humankind. Reusable water bottles are a great way to eliminate this issue in your daily life! They cost as little as five dollars, the same price as a pack of plastic bottles from the grocery store, making them extremely cost-efficient. If you’re in your dorm most of the day, consider getting a water filter to keep in the fridge if you’re uncomfortable drinking from the tap. However, there are places all over SUU’s campus to fill up for free, so you don’t have to worry about paying for water.
Tip #2: Buy Second-Hand
With thrifting rising in popularity, most college towns will likely have a few thrift stores for you to choose from. Cedar City itself has a handful of thrifts around town, as well as a Deseret Industries store within five minutes of campus. These are great places to not only shop for pre-owned clothes but also to donate the ones that you may have grown out of. It’s estimated that eleven billion tons of clothing, or 85% of the textiles created each year, end up in landfill. By allowing your clothes to be loved again, you add affordable clothing to your community and keep them out of the dump. Buying second-hand doesn’t just go for clothes either; shop pre-owned textbooks, furniture, electronics, etcetera for cost and environmental savings!
Tip #3: Walk When You Can
Understandably, students will need to drive to and from campus if the distance is far. However, if it is within your means, walking or using alternative transportation is best! Aside from walking, students can use transportation such as bicycles, electric scooters, skateboards and roller skates to get around campus (as long as they’re used outside only! And please wear a helmet!) If you must drive, consider carpooling. You can half your emission output by taking turns driving with your friends or roommates.
Tip #4: Minimize Food Waste
Buy only what you’ll eat! Americans throw out 30-40% of their purchased food each year, with a majority of that being perishables like dairy and produce. Make sure that when you’re making your shopping trips, you only buy what you’re going to eat before it expires. Milk, eggs, fruits and veggies usually only have a week or two before they turn. A great way to avoid this problem is to “meal prep,” or plan what you’re going to cook and/or eat each week according to your schedule. This way, you can make sure you only buy as much as you need, and you don’t waste your money or your food. Knowing what you have to eat that day can also help you avoid impulse purchasing food and snacks if you’re trying to save!
Tip #5: Shop Local
It’s now easier than ever to hop on your computer or phone and buy goods online. However, these items have to be flown, shipped and driven all over the world to end up at your door. Packages are very carbon-heavy, and the best alternative is to shop within your community, especially small businesses! They tend to have a much smaller carbon footprint and put a lot more TLC into what you buy. Instead of a chain grocery store, restaurant or department store, try a local farmer’s market or mom-and-pop shop. The previously mentioned thrift stores also provide an easy way to shop locally. Doing this keeps your local economy thriving and creates a stronger sense of community, which only bolsters the college experience.
In summary, though it can be hard to avoid the environmentally impactful ways of the world around us, there are little things that even college students can do to live sustainably. Whether it’s buying a textbook that’s already been used before or hitching a ride with your bestie, there are a multitude of ways to have an eco-friendly college lifestyle and show a little bit of love to our community and our planet.
Tags: Campus Student CurStu Health and Wellness College Tips Student Life Community
