How I Went Eco-Friendly in College: A Student’s Experience

As an eco-conscious college student, I learned that living sustainably & eco-friendly on campus wasn’t always easy. Between packed schedules, tight budgets, and limited options, it felt like an uphill battle. But over the past few years, I discovered small changes that made a big difference. Things like using a reusable water bottle, taking shorter showers, and eating less meat all helped me shrink my environmental footprint.

I didn’t become an eco-warrior overnight. It was a process of gradual shifts in my everyday habits and mindset. Back then, living sustainably felt second nature. In this article, I wanted to share what I had learned and help other students see that going green in college was totally doable. With some simple swaps and hacks, you’d be well on your way to reducing waste and saving the planet, one step at a time.

Why I Wanted to Live More Sustainably as a Student

As an environmental studies major, I felt it was essential to practice what I preached and lead by example. Several factors drove my determination to live more sustainably on campus:

1. Reducing my Carbon Footprint: Being aware of the pressing climate change issues, I wanted to minimize my personal contribution to carbon emissions. By adopting eco-friendly practices, I aimed to decrease my overall environmental impact.
2. Responsibility as an Environmental Studies Major: I believed it was my responsibility, given my field of study, to demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship. I wanted to show that the principles I was learning in class were not just academic but had practical applications in real life.
3. Personal Growth: Living sustainably was also a personal growth journey for me. I saw it as an opportunity to challenge myself, learn new habits, and become a more conscious consumer and global citizen.
4. Inspiring Others: I hoped that my efforts would inspire fellow students and those around me to consider their own impact on the environment. I wanted to be a part of a larger movement toward sustainability on campus.
5. Health and Well-being: Sustainable living often goes hand in hand with healthier choices. Choosing locally-grown, organic foods and reducing exposure to harsh chemicals in cleaning products contributed to my overall well-being.
6. Financial Savings: Many sustainable practices, such as reducing energy consumption or avoiding single-use plastics, also had the added benefit of saving me money. This financial incentive made the transition to eco-friendly living even more appealing.
7. Long-Term Perspective: I recognized that the sustainable habits I cultivated in college could serve as a foundation for a lifetime of responsible environmental choices. These habits would not only benefit the planet but also me and future generations.

In pursuit of these goals, I made significant changes to my daily habits and routines while living in a dorm:

• Reducing Waste: I started recycling and composting as much as possible, which cut down on the amount of trash I produced each week. I also avoided single-use plastics whenever I could by using reusable containers, bottles, bags, and cutlery. These small swaps made a bigger difference than you might have thought.
• Conserving Resources: I took shorter showers, turned off lights and electronics when leaving my room, and avoided keeping devices on standby. I also started unplugging chargers and other devices when not in use since they drew power even when idle.
• Sustainable Food Choices: I ate less meat and more plant-based foods, bought locally-grown and organic produce when I could, and avoided excess packaging. I also started a mini compost in my room for any food scraps to help reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.

While adjusting to a greener lifestyle did require effort and commitment, the benefits to the environment made any inconveniences worthwhile. My time in college not only equipped me with knowledge but also shaped my character and values, which will continue to guide my choices throughout life. Every one of us has the power to make a difference through the choices we make each and every day. Going eco-friendly as a student was a great place to start, and it remains an essential part of my commitment to a sustainable future.

How I Made My Dorm Room More Eco-Friendly

When I moved into my dorm freshman year, I was determined to do my part for the environment. Here are some of the steps I took to make my dorm room more eco-friendly:

Reusable Everything

• I brought reusable containers, bottles, bags, and cutlery from home instead of relying on single-use plastics. My reusable water bottle, coffee mug, and stainless steel straw saved me money in the long run and helped reduce waste.

DIY Cleaning Supplies

• Commercial cleaning products were full of harsh chemicals, so I made my own using natural ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils. My all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, and floor cleaner were non-toxic, biodegradable, and worked great.

Conserved Energy

• I turned off lights, electronics, and appliances when leaving my room to save energy. Using Energy Star certified electronics and LED lightbulbs helped maximize efficiency. Keeping my AC at a moderate temperature and using natural lighting during the day also made a difference.

Reduced, Reused, Recycled

• I brought as little as possible to my dorm to avoid excess waste and only recycled appropriate items. Donating unused items to local charities helped give things a second life. Composting food scraps and recyclable containers in designated bins ensured they didn’t end up in a landfill.

Making eco-friendly changes in my dorm room was a rewarding experience that not only benefited the environment but also helped me become more conscious of my everyday choices.

Tips for an Environmentally Conscious Lifestyle on Campus

Going green in college was easier than you might have thought. By making a few simple changes to your daily routine, you could significantly reduce your environmental impact. Here are some tips I picked up to live more sustainably on campus:

Reduced single-use plastics

• So much of the waste in dorms and cafeterias came from single-use plastics like water bottles, cutlery, and food containers. I carried a reusable water bottle, coffee mug, and cutlery set with me instead. Many places on campus filled up my own bottle or mug. I asked my cafeteria to provide reusable options and compostable takeout containers. Using sustainable alternatives was an easy way to cut down on plastic pollution.

Conserved energy

• College campuses consumed a huge amount of energy through lighting, heating, and electronics. I did my part by turning off lights, electronics, and appliances when not in use. Using Energy Star rated electronics, which were more energy-efficient, was a smart choice. I opened blinds during the day to use natural lighting. I reported any dripping faucets or running toilets to facilities management right away. Making sustainable energy choices reduced my carbon footprint.

Recycled and composted

• Most colleges offer recycling and composting programs – I used them! I kept separate bins in my dorm for recyclables, compost, and landfill waste. I recycled paper, plastic, glass, and metals. Composting food scraps, coffee grounds, and paper towels was a routine. I asked my cafeteria to provide clearly marked recycling and composting stations. Reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills helped the environment.

Bought used or sustainable goods

• There were many opportunities to buy used or eco-friendly goods on campus. I shopped at my college bookstore for used textbooks or rented digital versions. I bought clothes, electronics, and other items from the campus thrift store or online resale sites. I chose sustainable and fair trade goods when possible. Repairing items when they broke instead of throwing them out became a habit. All these actions reduced demand for new products and decreased pollution.

Got involved in campus sustainability

• Many colleges have sustainability programs, clubs, and initiatives you could join. I volunteered my time for campus cleanups, environmental education campaigns, or green events. I pushed for more sustainable policies and practices. Student voices were powerful, so I made my values heard! Getting involved in the campus sustainability movement was a great way to make new friends and create positive change.

Going green as a college student required some adjustments, but the rewards of living in balance with the planet were well worth the effort. Doing your part today by choosing sustainable alternatives and reducing your environmental impact is a meaningful step toward a more eco-friendly future.

Easy Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint as a Student

As an eco-conscious college student, I always looked for simple ways to reduce my environmental impact. Here are a few easy steps I took to shrink my carbon footprint on campus:

Reduced and Reused

• The two Rs I focused on the most were reducing what I consumed and reusing what I already had. I carried a reusable water bottle, coffee mug, utensils, and containers for snacks and leftovers. This cut down on single-use plastics that ended up in landfills. I also tried to reduce paper usage by taking notes on my laptop or tablet instead of printing handouts. If I did print, I reused the blank side of scrap paper.

Recycled and Composted

• My school made it easy to recycle and compost, so I took advantage of those resources. I recycled paper, plastic, glass, and metals in the appropriate bins. I also composted any food scraps like fruit peels, eggshells, and coffee grounds. Composting helped reduce the waste sent to landfills while creating nutritious fertilizer. Some schools even had special move-out collections where they recycled or donated items students left behind.

Conserved Energy

• I did my part to conserve energy in my dorm by turning off lights, electronics, and appliances when not in use. I also used energy-efficient LED light bulbs which consumed less power. When the weather was nice, I opened windows instead of running the AC. If everyone made an effort to use less energy, it would significantly decrease the demand for fossil fuels.

Chose Sustainable Transportation

• My school offered shuttle services, bike shares, and pedestrian walkways which I utilized whenever possible. Walking, biking, and public transit were more eco-friendly options than driving a single-occupancy vehicle. I only drove when absolutely necessary and tried to carpool with friends if we were going to the same place. Choosing greener transportation was an impactful way for students to shrink their carbon footprint.

By making these modest changes, you as students could collectively make a big difference in creating a more sustainable environment for future generations. Small steps lead to great strides, so do your part and encourage others to do the same. Together, we have the power to effect real and lasting change.

My Top Eco-Friendly Products for College Living

As an eco-conscious college student, I found some products that made sustainable living in a dorm room easy. Here were my top recommendations for an environmentally-friendly dorm setup:

Reusable Food Storage

• Living in a dorm meant frequent leftovers and takeout. Having reusable containers on hand helped cut down on waste. I loved my silicone Stasher bags for storing and heating up leftovers. They were non-toxic, dishwasher safe, and airtight. For snacks, I used cloth napkins, bamboo cutlery, and stainless steel containers. With these, I avoided single-use plastic bags, utensils, and disposable Tupperware.

Sustainable Towels

• Paper towels were terrible for the environment and expensive for a student budget. I switched to reusable cloth towels like the waffle towels from Ettitude. They were very absorbent, quick-drying, and durable. For cleaning spills or wiping down surfaces, I kept a stash of unpaper towels – reusable paper towel alternatives. Using sustainable towels saved me money and helped reduce waste.

Eco-Friendly Hydration

• Staying hydrated in college was important, so having a reusable water bottle was essential. My HYDRO CELL stainless steel bottle kept water cold for 24 hours and came in lots of fun colors. For smoothies, I used a blender bottle. Both of these reusable options helped me avoid single-use plastic water bottles. I also had stainless steel straws from MUTNITT for when I wanted to use a straw.

Natural Toiletries

• The dorm bathrooms were shared spaces, so I chose natural toiletries that were gentle on the environment. I used shampoo and conditioner bars, natural deodorant, and a menstrual cup instead of disposable products. For cleaning, I had eco-friendly detergent, surface wipes, and hand soap. Using natural and sustainable toiletries was an easy switch that helped minimize my environmental footprint.

Making eco-friendly choices in college did require some adjustment, but with the right reusable and sustainable products, it was totally doable. Focusing on reducing single-use plastics and waste while saving money was very rewarding. I felt good knowing that I was making a difference and encouraging others to do the same. Every small change mattered when it came to sustainability.

Conclusion

After making these changes, I felt good knowing I was doing my part to reduce waste and live more sustainably. While it took some adjustment, this experience showed me that going eco-friendly in college was absolutely doable. My advice to students who are looking to green up their act: start small by picking one area to improve, like reducing single-use plastics or wasting less food. Once that becomes second nature, build from there. Together, all of our small actions can add up to big change. By making eco-conscious choices in your daily college lives, you are shaping a healthier future for our planet. What could be a better lesson to learn?