Intro:
A lot of people these days are trying to live in a more ‘energy-conscious’ manner.
Going green, and living in a manner that’s better for the planet, is becoming a bigger issue for college students—and for good reason.
College students understand that we need to take care of our world if we want it to stay healthy and vibrant.
And so, in this post, you’re going to learn 8 tips for how you can contribute to ‘going green’ while also being a college student at the same time.
True, you may have to get a bit creative about how you go green while attending university and getting ready to enter the workforce.
But truth be told, there’s still a lot that you can do to care for the planet, even during this busy and important stage of life.
Here’s what you need to know.
1. Utilize Smart Technology In Your College Apartment
Utilizing the smart technology available in your dorm room or apartment can do a lot to help not only lower your electric bill, but also to conserve energy and protect the planet.
Christopher Todd Communities, for example, uses smart technology to give residents the ability to control their thermostats right from their personal devices.
Here’s how they describe it:
“Smart thermostat systems can be controlled from your device and set to automatically adjust during the day and night to keep your home at your ideal temperature and cut back on overheating or overcooling. It’s an essential tool for making sure that you’re maximizing your energy efficiency and lowering your bills.”
2. Try Not To Create As Much Waste
Single-use plastics are one of the biggest pollution dangers we face in the modern world.
And one way to stop contributing to the problem is to stop creating so much waste.
In other words, try to cut back on how much ‘junk’ you actually throw away.
This is especially true when it comes to single-use plastics.
Just try to avoid using them, and you’ll end up throwing less of it into the trash.
This also means that less of it will end up in a landfill or in the ocean.
3. Recycle
Recycling is obviously good for the planet, and it’s also one of the best things that you can do to reduce your own carbon footprint.
Not sure how to get started? Contact your local recycling drop-off center to get up-to-speed on how to jump in and start sorting your own trash as you discard it.
4. Use Less Water
Did you know that the average person uses about 80 to 100 gallons of water per day?
You can help to cut back on this number by not showering or bathing every day, or by taking shorter showers when you do decide to clean up.
5. Walk Or Ride A Bike
When cars burn gasoline, they pour pollution into the environment.
And with so many cars on the road every single day, this builds up!
But you can help to reduce this pollution by choosing to walk or ride a bike.
Removing the potential for pollution from just one car may not feel like it’s accomplishing much. But the truth of the matter is that it does add up; especially when you take into account that you’re not the only person choosing to go car-free for the environment.
Every little bit helps.
6. Take Notes On Your Electronic Device
Instead of using paper, which will just end up getting thrown away anyway; you could take notes on your smartphone, your tablet, your laptop, etc.
This further cuts down on waste. Plus, it gives you digital notes that you can save indefinitely.
You can even record lectures on your device using a microphone!
7. Use Reusable Bags When You Shop
Disposable bags are a massive source of single-use plastic pollution.
But you can help to curb this problem by choosing to use reusable bags.
Alternatively, you can also use a backpack, a basket, or really any other type of ‘carrying tool.’
The main idea is just to avoid using single-use plastic bags so that they don’t end up in the ocean or fill the groundwater with microplastics.
8. Use A Refillable Water Bottle
Using a refillable water bottle will help to cut down on disposable water bottles, which are just another source of single-use plastics. Furthermore, it’s tough to track how much water you consume or whether you are drinking enough. So if you need a water bottle, there are ones with time markers that you can use for keeping hydrated. It is more economical than buying refillable bottles.
Once again, it may not seem like much. But if you use a refillable bottle instead of buying a disposable water bottle once per day, that adds up to 365 fewer bottles being discarded every year!
Conclusion
There you have it!
8 tips for going green while in college and saving the planet all at the same time.
At the end of the day, being environmentally friendly matters.
So do your best to make an impact, and spread the word to help others do the same.
