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As students, you have a great responsibility to shape the future of our planet.
For the last 2 years, I have been guiding my cousin, who is a college student, about sustainable living practices.
She has adopted these small changes and observed the results, and it’s been amazing.
It does not matter whether you live in a dorm or an apartment, you can follow these simple eco-friendly methods.
Why Sustainability Matters for Students
An average college student in the U.S. generates about 640 pounds of solid waste each year (as per a report). And it is obvious that most of them end up in landfills.
If you try to follow the sustainable habits mentioned in this post, even as a student, you can reduce your environmental footprint.
By doing this, you can save money and inspire other students too.
Let me share some practical tips and a little personal insight into how you can live sustainably as a student.
Sustainable Living in Dorms or Student Housing
If you are living in a dorm, you know that the dorm life can be a bit chaotic. But this should not stop you from living sustainably. Here’s how you can start:
- Unplug your electronic devices when they are not in use. Also, you can do other easy things, like swapping dorm lights for LEDs. These changes help save energy.
- You can conserve water by taking short showers. Use reusable water bottles. We Americans waste about one trillion gallons of water each year.
- Try to minimize waste by recycling, composting, and avoiding single-use plastics. With your other friends, you can buy a small composting bin. This might sound intimidating, but it is easy.
I have written a detailed blog about Indoor composting.
Eco-Friendly Study Habits and Supplies
You can adopt these simple sustainable study practices. By doing this you can contribute to a healthier planet. This may also save you some money.
- Instead of paper, start using digital resources like eBooks and note-taking apps whenever possible.
- Start using recycled or refillable supplies like notebooks and pens.
- Share study materials with classmates to cut down on redundant purchases. My cousin told me that the digital notes help her to stay organized. It also reduces paper waste.
Sustainable Food Choices on a Student Budget
We usually think sustainable food practice means it would be expensive. But it is not.
- Meal prep reduces food waste and it saves you money too.
- If possible always shop at local farmers’ markets to support small businesses. You will get fresh produce from there.
- Vegan food is a sustainable choice. Did you know that even a single meatless day a week can help reduce your carbon footprint?
Read my detailed blog about tips to reduce food waste at home.
Sustainable Commuting Options
We all know that our transportation choices can be one of the biggest contributors to pollution. Here’s how you can help:
- If possible walk, bike, or use public transport whenever possible.
- Always carpool with friends or use ride-sharing services.
- On-campus, consider electric scooters. They’re fun and also eco-friendly.
Fashion and Lifestyle
I am someone someone who loves thrifting. So I know how sustainable fashion can save money and resources:
- Try shopping at thrift stores or organize clothing swaps. You can save a good amount of money too.
- Learn to repair and upcycle your clothes instead of discarding them. You can learn from YouTube.
- Always try to avoid fast fashion and invest in durable, timeless pieces.
Read my blog about second-hand & thrifted gift ideas.
Involvement in Campus Sustainability Initiatives
Nowadays most campuses in the U.S. have sustainability programs, so get involved:
- You can join an eco club or volunteer for green events.
- Advocate for policies like adding more recycling bins or reducing campus energy use.
- Start small initiatives like reusable container drives. Recently my cousin started a reusable cup program in her dorm.
Overcoming Challenges of Sustainable Living as a Student
I know, in the beginning, sustainability isn’t always easy, especially on a student budget. But you can start with small changes.
- In the beginning, look for affordable eco-friendly alternatives. For example, you can start by using Reusable water bottles and thrifted clothes.
- Stay consistent by setting realistic goals. For the first few months, don’t aim for perfection, just focus on progress.
- Surround yourself with like-minded friends who share your values.
By making some small and simple changes in your lifestyle you can have a sustainable living as a student.
I hope the methods I have listed above help you start your sustainable journey. You can choose a few in the beginning and as you feel comfortable you can follow more.
Most of the ideas listed above save you money. The most important thing is, by doing this you can inspire other students too.
