The college years are an exciting transitional time for young people. For many, college is the first time they have been on their own, and they’re faced with being responsibe for their own actions and their own well-being. For some students, college is the first time they are faced with making their own choices. It can be overwhelming, and the pressure of making green choices might just be too much to handle. There are five simple choices students can make in their transition into adulthood that can easily lessen their footprint while in college.
Walk. Nearly all college campuses are designed to be walker-friendly. College may be the only time when driving a car is not absolutely necessary. However, if being completely car-free isn’t an option, park it and leave it. Campus parking is notoriously frustrating, and keeping your car parked in a lot is a lot easier than futilely circling the parking lot to find another space. Use your feet, a bike, or campus transportation to get from your dorm to class to the library.
Eat greener. Choose a diet based in whole-grains, fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins from plants sources, such as beans and nuts, will not only reduce your carbon footprint, but will help fight off the dreaded freshman 15 (pounds that is). Many dining halls are getting with the program and offering a wider-variety of meat-free entrees, and partnering with local farms to offer organic and local produce. If yours doesn’t, take advantage of those student dining surveys to express a preference for local, organic, and fair-trade food choices.
Drink greener. Stop drinking bottled water. It is expensive and damages the environment. Choose to use a filtered water bottle that will eliminate your plastic bottle waste. These Portable Water Filters are perfect for you and environment.
Recycle. May be more convenient on college campuses than in the general community. Dorms often have trash rooms where students dispose of their garbag. They almost always have recycling bins for cardboard, plastic, glass, cans, and paper. In your dorm room use two separate waste cans, one for trash and one for recyclables. This makes disposal a breeze.
Reuse. Consider used items when looking for college gear. Find used furniture, clothes, etc..
Students make big changes when they take the step from high school to college. That makes this transition the perfect time to take small steps for a greener life.