Let’s face it, college is a really hard time to be eco-conscious because all of the cheap stuff is wrapped in plastic packaging or the waste from eating at the dining hall is insane. Another fact to face is that waste is a huge problem in our world just like climate change is and has been growing rapidly throughout the years that we have been alive. So, I was determined to do one thing during college besides get good grades and make friends, my goal is to be more sustainable in my choices.
The first thing I did was buy wheat straw bowls, plates, forks, spoons, etc. That way I cut down my waste of using single-use paper plates, plastic forks, plastic spoons, etc. I also bought some food storage containers made out of recycled plastic and a bamboo top. Reusable water bottles can make a huge impact too, and by using a reusable water bottle, you are reducing the amount of single-use plastic that would be thrown into the ocean.
recycled materials are cheap and affordable if you look at the right places
Another thing I did was when I ate at the dining halls, I brought my own reusable cup to fill up with the fountain pop. At Ohio University, we have hard plastic to-go containers that we can buy and reuse as many times as we want which stops students from using single-use plastics and papers. Try not to use straws either. Straws were originally invented for people who are disabled and can’t suck up liquid easily, and if you’re a person who is able-bodied and does not absolutely need a straw, just try not to use one (fun fact, you’ll survive). Also, being aware of how much food you put on your plate will help you reduce your food waste. Get a little food at first and then you can go back and get more if you are still hungry!
When it comes to food other than the dining hall, I reduce my footprint by buying local. At the farmers market, I purchase a lot of fruits, veggies and bread that will last me quite a while. Buying locally helps your neighbors, the economy in your area and reduces the amount of carbon produced during travel. I also buy from a place called Kindred Market that sells a lot of local produce and is all about being more eco-conscious! If you shop smart with a budget in mind, the costs of everything will be as much as a normal grocery store, as long as you stick to the list! Don’t forget to bring your cute tote bags while shopping!
Shop local. support local businesses. support local farmers.
When preparing to come to college, I decided to make the big switch from bottled body wash to bar soap. The kind I buy, which is Dr. Bronners, comes in paper recyclable packaging. I use soap savers made out of old netting to wash myself with, and what I’ve noticed is that bar soap is cheaper AND it lasts longer! Also, I have never been complimented on how I smell good as much as I do now! In the bathroom, I also got a ‘Last Swab‘ which basically replaces all of the q tips I would have of used throughout my lifetime! All you have to do is wash it or rinse it off in the shower and it’s good to go for years! For hair, I use the ‘Wet Brush Go Green‘ which uses plant-based plastic to form the hair brush. There are tons of other good eco-conscious hair brushes too, I picked up the Wet Brush because it was at my local CVS. For teeth, I brush my teeth with a bamboo toothbrush. The one downside to the one I bought is that the plastic bristles will turn into micro plastics eventually, so next time I purchase I am going to get one that does not use plastic bristles. (The one linked has charcoal bristles). One last thing I bought for bathroom purposes is a ‘Saalt cup‘, I chose the blue one because I liked the color better. These diva cups are so worth it in the end, because every month I do not have to buy pads or tampons and get pink taxed, and I cut down on my waste quite a bit. Honestly, if you were to get one thing on this list, I would go with the Saalt Cup. It is comfortable and holds a lot, it’s worth it in every way. $30 for a one time payment or who knows how much for a multiple-period-product will add up way more than $30. A thirty dollar amount would last me a few months when buying a single-use period product, while this cup will last me years!
It may be more expensive at first, but over the years it will be more bang for your buck
One more thing you can do that doesn’t cost any money is to just be more conscious of how you affect the environment overall. Educate yourself in what your area can and cannot recycle. I know way too many people who think they can recycle a pop bottle with the cap and label still on it. If offered a plastic bag and you brought a tote bag or it is something you can carry, turn away the extra plastic. Be conscious in your meat consumption, it is actually very bad for your health if you go vegetarian improperly (not eating what you need for your body when vegetarian for example only carbs). If you aren’t ready or unable to say goodbye to meat, you can just lessen the consumption of it more and more. I personally get very sick when I try going vegetarian regardless of what I do, so I eat meat about once to twice a week, just to be more conscious of my footprint. Same with driving somewhere you can walk. Just day by day make little changes to become more conscious of that eco-footprint.
Be conscious of your choices, because it can save the world
Our world is drastically changing and although using glass straws makes a small difference, at least they make some difference in the world. If you can’t afford to get the “organic” stuff or the “green choice” products, you don’t have to, all the world is asking is that you will just be more conscious and make little steps to do better. As humans, we can’t not leave a footprint on the world, but we can try our best to reduce it. Little by little, day by day, you can save the Earth. There is only one planet like Earth, so take care of it like it is your child. There is no planet B.
