How To Make College Living More Eco-Friendly

Making eco-friendly choices as a college student has a positive impact on the environment while also promoting a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle. Even small, simple daily changes can help the earth, and also likely save you some money as well.

Here are some practical tips to help you make your college living more eco-friendly.

Sustainable Dorm Essentials

Invest in reusable items like water bottles, coffee mugs, and shopping bags. These small changes can drastically reduce your plastic waste.
Choose bedding and towels made from organic cotton, bamboo, or other sustainable materials.
Furnish your dorm with second-hand furniture or repurposed items. Check out thrift stores, online marketplaces, and campus exchanges.

Eco-Friendly School Supplies

Look for more sustainable school supplies when possible.  Reduce paper use and look for recycled products.
Try to reuse things like backpacks and other supplies for as long as possible.

Energy Conservation

Unplug chargers, electronics, and appliances when not in use to avoid unncessary energy consumption.
Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs to save energy.
Make the most of natural light during the day.

Waste Reduction

Try to sort your recyclables and recycle as much as possible.
If your campus has a composting program, participate by composting food scraps and biodegradable waste.
Try to reduce the number of unnecessary items you buy and keeping your living space clutter-free.

Food & Dining

Incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet. Plant-based foods generally have a lower environmental impact than animal-based foods.
When shopping, use reusable shopping bags. Buy locally-sourced and organic foods when possible to support sustainable farming practices.
Cook meals at home rather than relying on takeout, which often involves a lot of single-use packaging.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning

Use eco-friendly cleaning products or make your own using natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon.
Replace disposable paper towels with reusable cloths for cleaning tasks.

Greener Transportation

Use a bike or walk to get around campus instead of driving. This reduces carbon emissions and promotes physical health.
Utilize public transportation options to reduce your carbon footprint.
If you need to drive, consider carpooling with friends or classmates to save fuel and reduce emissions.

Conserve Water

Take shorter showers to conserve water. Keep an eye out for leaks or dripping faucets, and report to maintenance promptly to prevent water wastage.

Making college living more eco-friendly is achievable through a combination of conscious habits and small lifestyle changes. By adopting these tips, you can contribute to a more sustainable environment, reduce your ecological footprint, and inspire others in your college community to do the same.