1. E-textbooks
Rather than paying for expensive printed textbooks, see if the required reading for your class is available online. You may also be able to download e-textbooks onto your tablet, making them more portable and less expensive. A win for you and for the environment!
2. Reusable grocery bags
The next time you go grocery shopping, bring your own cloth grocery bags rather than using the store’s paper or plastic ones. Some grocery stores even offer a discount when you use your own reusable shopping bag.
3. Power down electronics
Did you know that when your cell phone charger is plugged into the wall, it uses electricity even when it’s not connected to your phone? The same is true of other appliances around your apartment. Don’t forget to turn off your computer before you go to bed, too!
4. Use cold water
If you use cold water instead of hot when washing your clothes, you can save six and a half pounds of carbon emissions per load. Not to mention the fact that you won’t have to wash your whites separately.
5. Reusable water bottles
Instead of purchasing packs of expensive bottled water, buy yourself a nice reusable water bottle and fill it often to stay hydrated and healthy. It’s good for the environment and will save you money.
6. Ditch your car
Most college campuses are walkable, so reduce your carbon footprint by walking or biking to class instead of driving. Public transportation is also an affordable, environmentally friendly option.
7. Go vegetarian
The meat industry is responsible for nearly one-fifth of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Try cutting meat out of your diet a few days a week to help demand change.
8. Take shorter showers
Wasting water is harmful to the environment, so take short showers whenever possible. If you reduce your shower time by just two minutes, you can save as much as 1,000 pounds of carbon dioxide from being emitted into the atmosphere.
9. Recycle
Recycling is one of the easiest ways to go green. Simply separate paper, bottles and cans from your other trash. If you’re really committed to the environment, you can even compost biodegradable materials.
