There is no specific time in your life that is best to switch to a sustainable lifestyle. In fact, the earlier, the better. If you are a student, you might be under the impression that such a big lifestyle change is out of your budget.
On the contrary, there are several small habits that will allow you to take on sustainability and contribute to the environment. In this article, we have included some habits you can adopt to be more sustainable, whether you live in a dorm room or an individual apartment.
Limit the Use of Paper
Some of you might have already made a complete shift to paperless note-taking and studying. In doing so, you are not only adding to your convenience but also taking a positive step towards sustainability. So, moving forward, this is one of the easiest ways to make the switch.
Moreover, you can ask your professors if you can submit assignments online and buy your textbooks online as PDFs. Even the academic platforms where you pay someone to write my paper send you the papers as downloadable documents. In other words, you can cut down paper entirely in this digital world without much effort.
Carry a Reusable Container
Different restaurants have different policies regarding portion size. And even if you think you will eat the entire plate when ordering, you might end up being full halfway through. This can be the case at your college dining halls as well, despite the fact that you might be the one deciding your portion.
Wasting food this way can be easily avoided by taking a reusable container with you. This way, you can bring the leftovers home and even make another meal out of it.
Shop Second Hand
Understandably, you need to keep your outfits fresh throughout the year. But that does mean you need to splurge, especially when there is a way to help the environment while at it.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans throw away 14 million tons of clothing every year. This can be largely reduced if you donate your clothes and shop from thrift stores.
You can also choose to purchase eco-friendly options that most brands seem to be producing now. However, vintage shopping might be more affordable on a student’s budget and will give you access to a wider selection.
Unplug Your Devices
The average student brings about five electronic devices with them to campus. And with everything turning wireless these days, the number will considerably go up in the future. The catch here is that most of us tend to leave these devices plugged in.
However, simply removing them from the socket or even limiting your usage of electronic devices can help curtain energy consumption.
Walk or Bike
Whenever possible, consider walking or biking to a destination rather than driving. Both can help you not only cut down on carbon emissions but also provide an easy way of getting around. In addition, it can be a great way of exercising.
Moreover, many campuses have programs that allow you to rent or share your bikes with others. This means that you do not even have to invest in a bike to get started.
Cut Down on Meat
Raising animals and preparing meat products generates much more greenhouse gas emissions when compared to growing vegetables. That said, going vegan can be one of the most significant life changes. So, as baby steps, you can start by reducing your meat consumption.
For instance, you can try to be vegetarian once a week. There are plenty of vegan recipes online that can encourage you to do this.
Watch Your Water Usage
Needless to say, water is precious. If you can shave a few minutes off your shower time regularly or wait until you have a full load of laundry to do, these can be sustainable practices that can make a big difference.
It is also important to turn off the water when you are brushing your teeth. Most of us are absent-minded while we are brushing, and we might let the water run down the drain.
Carry a Tote Bag
As with carrying a plastic container or bottle, yet another thing you can do is have a clothes bag with you at all times. You can find highly flexible totes that fit in even the tiniest of purses.
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This will allow you to avoid purchasing a bag every time you buy groceries. Similarly, a tote bag can help you out if you have to carry something heavy.
Get Eco-friendly Toiletries
Using a bamboo toothbrush and reusable shaving razor can go a long way in helping the planet. You can also opt for vegan and cruelty-free options in a bio store these days. If you want to go one step ahead, you can learn how to make a zero-waste shampoo, deodorant, and soap to cut off the waste.
These things are not as complicated as you might imagine. And if you can get some of your dorm mates in on the project, all of you will be able to not only save money but also reduce your carbon footprint.
Upcycle
Yes, you can recycle whenever possible, and it is one thing that you should be doing. But you can also upcycle old plastic containers into pen stands and lampshades or get creative with it.
Most items that we throw away can be reused in some way. But if you think you cannot do it, it is best to recycle them rather than hoard them up in your room.
To Sum Up
So, you see? Making your lifestyle sustainable is not that hard. The tips we listed above are easy, achievable, and eco-friendly options that can be incorporated into any lifestyle. At the end of the day, if you are more conscious about your actions, you will be able to rectify yourself when you are deviating from your goal.
