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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Delaware chapter.

As college students, we accumulate so much waste. From take-out containers to notes from class, we use a lot of plastic and paper. These are some great ways to hold yourself accountable in college and make even the smallest difference. 

  1. Use reusable bags when grocery shopping. 

  2. Switch to LED lightbulbs.

  3. Make sure you recycle (yes, even those awful beer cans).

  4. Donate old clothing to local thrift stores or charities.

  5. Take your notes online to prevent paper waste.

  6. Cook at home. 

  7. Get involved in your college town’s community. Volunteer and give back.

  8. Try to limit energy waste by unplugging unused appliances.

  9. Advocate for your community to local and national representatives.

  10. Hold big corporations accountable. 

Since 1988, only 100 companies have been responsible for 71% of all global emissions. It is super important to change your own personal behavior to help combat climate change. But it is also important to hold those responsible who are wasting the most. Call your representatives and protest for change. 

Places to donate to for Earth Day:

Coalition for Rainforest Nations

Clean Air Task Force

Climate Emergency Fund

Gina Magliocco

Delaware '21

Gina is a Senior at the University of Delaware and the current President of the Her Campus UDel Chapter  She is an International Relations major with a minor in Public Policy.  She enjoys writing very much and has also been published by "Young Professionals in Foreign Policy." Gina is from Westchester, New York. 
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