5 Ways for Students to Help the Environment

Environmental justice is a topic that’s on the mind of a lot of students these days. It can feel discouraging to hear about a problem that is so big and out of control like climate change. But there are some simple ways to make a difference!

Here are few things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint.

Calculate your impact

It’s helpful to be more aware of the impact of your lifestyle. Check out Conservation International’s Carbon Footprint ​Calculator​! Start thinking about how you can drive less, carpool more, and opt for greener alternatives when possible.

Recycle

Recycling is a great way to be more aware of your consumption. It’s important to be aware of ​proper recycling etiquette​ to ensure you are recycling what you are supposed to. For most cities, contaminated recyclables often end up costing a lot more money to dispose of versus if they were clean. So make sure you rinse that pizza box out before throwing it in the blue bin, and tossing out your bottled drinks without the liquid!

Eat more plant-based

One of the biggest differences you can make for the environment is ​consuming fewer animal products​. You don’t have to go completely vegan to have a positive impact! Try Meatless Mondays or experiment with veganizing one of your favorite meals. Plus, many fast food joints offer Impossible burger options these days to make it easy to eat plant-based on the go.

Thrift

Thrifting is a fun way to limit your consumption and contribution to fast fashion. Check out our ​College Student’s Guide to Thrift Shopping​ for some tips on how to start shopping second-hand. You can also thrift furniture!

Reuse

Try to limit your use of single-use plastics. Invest in quality reusable items such as water bottles and shopping bags. If you do end up with plastic bags from the store, repurpose them as trash bags or for pet waste cleanup.

These are just a few ideas to help you be more environmentally friendly. Take some time to educate yourself on how you can be a more ethical consumer and continue to make lifestyle changes that contribute to a more sustainable future!