by: Courtney Remacle
Most of us can appreciate the fact that your college years are not exactly the time in your life when you feel your wealthiest, in terms of money. Part-time jobs and work study barely cut it when you’re buying textbooks, toothpaste, and having to pay tuition. When you’re strapped for cash, it can be hard to pay the extra money for products that are more “green” or sustainable, and when you’re living in a dorm it can be hard to feel like you’re living a sustainable lifestyle. However, there are plenty of things that you can do to still feel like you’re doing your part for the planet!
- Green your laundry. Wash your clothes on cold, and line-dry when possible. Campus washers and dryers may not be the most efficient, but by using cold water and drying outside or on a drying rack when possible, you’ll be helping to conserve energy.
- Green your textbooks. Many campuses offer textbook rental, or you can rent from Amazon.com or Chegg.com for reasonable prices. You may also be able to buy used books in your campus bookstore or online, or many textbooks are available for download onto e-readers. By not buying new books, you’ll be helping to conserve paper and potentially be keeping used books out of a landfill!
- Green your computer. These energy-saving apps can help your computer conserve energy! Try to turn your computer off if possible when you’re not using it, and if you use your computer to take notes you can help conserve paper (and maybe even stay more organized!).
- Green your drinks. Carry a reusable water bottle and mug throughout the day for your water and coffee/tea, and if you’re out at the bar, order beer on tap–typically served in washable glasses rather than cans or bottles.
You can read more about ways to be green in college here and here. Or, leave us your suggestions in the comments! Students, what do you do to stay sustainable while in school?