When was the last time you recycled a plastic water bottle? Bought a new outfit from a thrift store? Or unplugged your phone charger when you weren’t using it? If your answers were “weeks ago,” “never,” or “wait… I’m supposed to do that?” – you’re exactly who this article is for.
As a busy college student, I know how difficult it can be to be a responsible consumer. Between classes, my social life, and trying to keep up with microtrends that seem to change overnight, sustainability often falls to the bottom of the priority list. And for students living in dorms, convenience can easily win out over eco-friendly choices, making single-use items feel like the easiest option.
That is why I scoured the internet for simple and effective ways to be environmentally conscious, all while maintaining that broke college student budget!
1. Solid Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
These concentrated alternatives to liquid hair care replace almost 2-5 plastic bottles per bar. Their compact size eliminates water and energy waste by ~70% due to their small size and low weight. Most bars come wrapped in biodegradable or compostable cardboard, cutting down plastic waste even further. While they cut down on waste, don’t worry about quality. These bars are made with incredibly clean, nourishing ingredients. Brands like Kitsch, Viori, and Lush have made these products easy to find and surprisingly affordable.
2. Wool Dryer Balls
Reusable dryer balls are a small switch with a big impact. One set can last over 1000 loads compared to single-use dryer sheets that get tossed after 1 cycle. The wasteful polyester sheets that accumulate in landfills contain synthetic fragrances and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), while wool dryer balls are all-natural. They are 100% biodegradable, chemical-free, and even reduce drying time by 10-25%, which also allows your laundry to be more energy efficient. Who wouldn’t want their clothes to dry faster?
3. Shopping Secondhand
Buying secondhand is one of the easiest, and dare I say, trendiest ways to be environmentally conscious. Whether it’s by scrolling on Facebook Marketplace, joining resale groups, or going to thrift stores, shopping secondhand significantly reduces waste and carbon emissions. Buying a used item saves an average of 8.41 pounds of carbon emissions, 16.48 kWh of energy, and 88.89 gallons of water. Buying secondhand clothing can reduce carbon emissions by 25% compared to new clothing. By going to the thrift store, or shopping on platforms such as Poshmark, Depop, and Curtsy, you can follow all the latest trends at a lower cost, environmentally and wallet-wise!
Being environmentally conscious may seem expensive and tedious, but it is incredibly rewarding for you, our planet, and our future. Spending a few extra dollars on reusable products that can reduce waste and footprint can make all the difference. If even one of these strategies sticks with you after reading, you are already making a bigger impact than you think!