Sustainability in a College Setting

By Jessica Payne

There are ways that you can embrace sustainability in your own life as a college student that not only don’t have a large price tag but might actually save you money in the long run.

One way to promote a sustainable lifestyle, especially in the era of online school, is to take notes electronically. If you have access to a computer or tablet using those devices to take notes can save paper. The average American uses 7 trees, about 680 pounds of paper a year.

While going completely paperless is not an easy option you can certainly reduce the amount you use.

If you don’t have access to a device to take notes on consider buying a notebook made using recycled materials. They are about the same price as a normal notebook but will reduce your usage all the same.

Another way you can reduce your environmental footprint is by limiting your use of power. Turn off the lights when you leave a room. Unplug appliances and devices you are not using at the time like a coffee maker or a toaster.

These devices use power when they are sitting on standby that does nothing but run up your electric bill. Making an effort to do the above things can actuallsignificantly reduce your electric bill amount. Saving your wallet and the environment at the same time.

Last but certainly not least, consider reusable products. Coffee cups are the most common single use product in the world! If you normally pick up your morning coffee on your way to school, consider making it at home and bringing a reusable mug with you. You don’t have to give up the habit all together. While it may seem like all or nothing, making an effort to reduce the days you get coffee to go to one or two days a week even can make a big difference.

There are also options at certain places like Starbucks where you can buy a reusable cup and they will put your order in the cup for no extra charge. (Some actually give you a discount.) In the end while living a more sustainable life may seem like a big commitment but it’s much easier than you might think. Even making one small change today could make a difference for our world.