5 Savvy Sustainable Living Tips for Students
Young adults are making a difference for the planet! Here are 5 sustainable living tips for students…
In recent years, young adults have taken the lead in climate change initiatives – and with good reason: they are the ones who will be most affected by climate change in the future! Students have gotten involved in the push for positive change in various ways, from protesting, to volunteering, to making lifestyle changes to reduce waste and protect the planet.
There are many ways that students (and others without a lot of financial resources) can make a difference for a more sustainable future.
Below are 5 sustainable living tips that students can incorporate into their daily lifestyle starting today:
Avoid Single-Use Plastics
Going in and out of classes all day can make finding quality food difficult. Purchasing food on the go is a common way to deal with the everyday bustle of student life, but it usually results in large amounts of plastic waste.
You can avoid contributing to the growing problem of plastic pollution by bringing your own food containers to class. That way, if you need to take the food with you then you have a reusable container on hand. Alternatively, you can also prepare your meals at home, which is better for the environment and your wallet.
For shopping at the grocery store, you should consider investing in reusable bags. If you do not have room in your budget, you can always reuse old bags until they are no longer viable.
Use Sustainable Dorm Supplies
Purchasing eco-friendly products helps prevent harmful chemicals from entering our oceans and waterways. For the bathroom, look for toilet paper that is made from recycled materials and is bleach-free. You should also avoid body wash that contains microbeads, as they often pass through treatment plants unfiltered and end up in the water supply.
When it comes to cleaners, look for natural products that do not feature harmful chemicals. These chemicals enter the waterways and can have devastating effects on marine wildlife.
Volunteering
If you cannot make it to a nearby protest, get in contact with a local environmental group and donate some of your time to their cause. There are plenty of green organizations throughout the country that will welcome you with open arms. Many of these organizations will work with students to promote sustainability in the education system and the experience is great to put on your resume.
Many of these groups also organize large clean-up projects throughout the community. Not only does this have a positive effect on the environment, but it also enables you to get out and enjoy the outdoors. Some clean-up ideas include beach projects and waste removal along roadways.
Recycling
Recycling is one of the easiest ways you can contribute to a better environment. As a student, there are many things you can recycle throughout the school year. This includes most plastic items you encounter and all of your paper products. Your college should have at least one recycling bin on campus. If you cannot find one, contact the administration office and talk to them about installing one.
Green Transportation
Vehicle emissions are a growing problem in cities around the world. You can do your part in helping to curb air pollution by finding alternative ways to school. This includes getting involved in a ride-sharing program or taking your local bus to class.
If you live on campus, consider using a bike to get around or walk when the weather is nice. Walking or biking is a great way to get in a quick workout and can help you save money in the long run. If you have to call an Uber or Lyft, consider selecting a vehicle that has low emissions.
Read more tips at Inhabitat.com…
