Protecting the environment can seem like a daunting task, especially as a college student juggling education, social life and possibly a job. However, individual acts of sustainability are within everyone’s reach. In honor of Earth Day, here are four ways we can do our part as college students.
Donate instead of throw away
With the spring semester ending, move-out day is quickly approaching, a time where residents will uncover many neglected items. While it is tempting to throw out unworn clothes or office supplies you no longer need, it is important to consider donation. Donating keeps that product out of the landfill and stops it from causing pollution. Most items have a longer life span than anyone realises, and, as long as the item does not pose a safety risk, chances are a second hand shop will take it in. Additionally, CSUMB makes the task of donation easier by supplying Goodwill donation bins in the lobby of residence halls during the week of move out. So if you spot one, make sure to throw in some of your unwanted items.
Unplug your devices
When it is time to wind down for the night, putting your phone to charge while watching a show seems like a great idea. However, before you know it you are waking up at four in the morning to pee, and autoplay has been cycling through episode after episode. To reduce your energy consumption, try disabling autoplay on your devices so as to not run your battery dry. Keep your phone off the charger and unplug the charger from its socket, as the charger itself wastes energy from the socket regardless of it’s in use.
Cut down single use
Plastic, the material used for most single use products, is everywhere. It’s in grocery bags, food packaging and straws but there is an alternative. Plastics have an irreversible impact on our planet because of their non-biodegradable nature, they will continue to seep toxins into the world, after their one short use. A more cost effective alternative, with a personal touch, is to buy a water bottle or cloth grocery bag. It is a choice for you, but also for the environment.
Organizing waste
After finishing a meal, it is easy to place every piece of trash in the garbage, usually because there is no other option. However, in the campus dining hall, Otter Student Union and Otter Express there are more options to dispose of your waste. Students have a place to dispose of their recyclables, compostables and trash in separate bins, an accessible way to practice organizing waste to assure different items get into their proper waste bins. As it reduces the amount of waste that goes into landfills, keeping the environment cleaner from pollutants that run off from landfills into soils and oceans.