Sustainable College Living
College students live hectic lives, juggling school, work and social obligations. As a result, living sustainably is not always a priority. However, there are many small lifestyle changes college students can make to lessen their impact on the environment.
1. Reusable Water Bottle
Experts predict that plastic mass will outweigh fish in the ocean by 2050. Carrying a reusable water bottle is one of the easiest ways to reduce plastic consumption. Reusing a water bottle is not only beneficial for the environment, but it will also save you money.
2. Walk
Automobile transportation accounts for one-third of U.S. warming emissions. Consider walking to your destination instead. Fall is upon us, and temperatures in Austin are finally bearable. If walking is not an option, carpool with friends or use public transportation (while following proper CDC guidelines, of course) to reduce your carbon footprint.
3. Meatless Mondays
Raising livestock contributes to deforestation, the gradual depletion of land resources and increased levels of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide and methane. An idea growing in popularity is meatless Mondays. Rather than pledging to eliminate all animal products from your diet, start out by not eating meat at least one day each week.
4. Thrift
The textile industry currently produces about 8% of total greenhouse gas emissions. This is partially due to the chemical waste byproducts of clothing production. Buying second-hand clothes from thrift stores such as Buffalo Exchange, Top Drawer Thrift and the Next to New Shop can help decrease your carbon footprint.
5. Unplug Electronics
Electronics use energy while being plugged into outlets, regardless of whether you are using them. Make sure to unplug the cord from the outlet when it is not in use.
6. Recycle
Reduce, reuse, recycle — in that order. Although recycling is a good alternative to using single-use materials like styrofoam, try incorporating more reusable products into your daily routine.
7. Take Online Notes
Rather than doing schoolwork in a spiral notebook, take notes digitally. If you count only the carbon consumed when note-taking, a laptop or tablet is more eco-friendly than a spiral paper. Taking notes digitally will reduce your carbon footprint and your work will not be misplaced.
8. Bring Plants Inside for Natural Air Filters
College living spaces are infamous for their poor air quality. As opposed to purchasing an expensive air purifier that constantly needs to be replaced, keep plants in your apartment or dorm. Plants filter the air by uptaking toxins through their pores. Certain plants are more effective and require lower maintenance than others, such as the Snake plant, Rubber plant and Heart Leaf Philodendron.
9. Bring Your Own Bags Shopping
Many grocery stores in Austin make customers pay for single-use bags or do not provide them at all to prevent pollution and carbon emissions. Next time you make a late-night run to the store, bring your own bag. Keep it someplace easily accessible so you do not forget it when heading out the door.
10. Use Washable Plates and Silverware
People often ask whether to use paper, plastic or biodegradable plates and silverware. Everyone’s first goal, however, should be to minimize consumption every way they can. Reusable, washable plates are the most eco-friendly option.
Photos by Chandler Maloney