Sustainability has become a buzz-word for practices that check a few certain boxes: if it has longevity, it’s eco-friendly and if it reduces waste. Overall, steps toward a greener future.
But as a university student, it may feel overwhelming to incorporate sustainable practices into an already busy lifestyle. Between classes, work and a limited budget, making environmentally conscious choices can easily fall to the bottom of the priority list.
However, living a sustainable lifestyle doesn’t necessarily mean making drastic changes or expensive alternatives. Like other things in life, doing small daily acts can make a big difference over time. From someone in the same boat, here are some habits to build and adopt in order to make a positive change in our environment.
Thrifting
In recent years, thrifting has turned into a popular hobby because of its accessibility, affordability and promotion by social media influencers.
Going to your local Goodwill or other secondhand stores that sell pre-loved apparel and items help reduce consumption by giving them a second life. Instead of contributing to the demand of mass production, thrifting allows us to keep perfectly unique, usable items out of landfills.
This is also an affordable way to freshen up your wardrobe or to decorate your living space as a college student. Plus, it can also be an activity to do with friends.
Reusing more than recycling
In my dorm, my roommate and I collect the disposable bags we get from grocery stores or when we eat out. Instead of throwing them out right away, we keep them in a designated drawer to carry groceries or to use as trash bags.
While recycling is a core part of the three R’s for waste management and sustainability, reusing makes it so the lives of items are extended to their fullest potential—very similar to thrifting. And so, following our example, little habits can look like just reusing expendable bags or repurposing takeout containers for leftovers.
It’s just all about taking a moment and considering how an item can serve another purpose.
Eco-friendly care products
Switching to eco-friendly care products is another simple, but fulfilling method to be sustainable and mindful, especially when we think of mundane day-to-day tasks.
Small swaps could be like using wool dryer balls (I personally use friendsheep), instead of disposable dryer sheets. Other handy laundry options include using a biodegradable stain remover soap stick or powder detergent with minimal packaging. Using bar soap when showering is also a small step toward combating this larger environmental issue.
Products like these often last longer than their mass-produced counterparts, so you also decrease the need to frequently buy refills or replacements.
Consciously commuting
Here at Cal State Monterey Bay, students have access to public transportation, particularly the Monterey-Salinas Transit and the Wave. The tuition you pay supports these resources, so might as well take advantage of it!
Carpooling with a friend is also an efficient way to practice this mindset. Or if you want to challenge yourself and to also exercise, biking to nearby destinations is another alternative.
Being conscious of your carbon footprint doesn’t mean to entirely give up on convenience in getting around, you can always start by using an alternative way of transportation a couple days a week.
Unplug when not in use
Another little ritual you can do is to unplug electrical appliances when not in use. This can look like your fan, idle chargers, consoles, hair dryers, or really anything involving electricity.