Living a sustainable lifestyle is notoriously expensive, but it doesn’t have to be! Below is a list of easy, inexpensive ways to live sustainably on a budget!
- Use reusable cotton pads
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One of the easiest sustainability switches I made was to reusable cotton pads in place of single-use cotton pads or cotton balls. These ones come in a 30-pack for only $10! They come with a cotton mesh bag, so you can just throw them in the washer with your clothes. This will also save you money in the long run, since you won’t have to replace a bag of disposable cotton pads whenever you run out.
- Eliminate unnecessary plastic use
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It’s very difficult to go completely plastic-free in college, but you can make small steps to eliminate unnecessary plastic use whenever possible! The two easiest ways to do this are to use a reusable water bottle and grocery bags, and these do not have to be expensive. I personally use a Hydroflask and my favorite reusable bags are these ones from Baggu, but if you’re on a money crunch, steal some reusable bags from your mom, and here’s a cheaper plastic water bottle alternative!
- Use a powder or liquid detergent
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A study done by Arizona State University and Plastic Oceans International, a California nonprofit, found that Tide Pods leak untreated PVA, a plastic product, into groundwater reserves and water systems. Although these products are labeled as biodegradable, water treatment plants usually do not have the resources to effectively biodegrade PVA. So, what can you do? There are so many laundry detergent alternatives! Personally, I use a powder detergent, but here is a list from NBC news with some others!
- Save energy…even if you don’t pay the electricity bill
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I live in a dorm, meaning I don’t have to pay for utilities. However, it is still important to turn off your lights when you leave the room, take shorter showers and save energy whenever possible! You may not be paying the bill, but your energy use still affects the environment!
- Shop secondhand
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My most-worn and favorite clothes are almost all from secondhand clothing stores! Thrifting is often cheaper than constantly buying new clothes, and it’s better for the environment. According to the EPA, over 11 million tons of textiles were landfilled in 2018. So many of those clothes could have been donated and worn again and again. So next time you need a bit of retail therapy, head to your local Goodwill or favorite thrift spot!
- Use public transportation
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Although most college students do not have access to cars on campus, some do! If you’re thinking about bringing your own car to campus, think about how much you would really use it. Often the parking is terrible, and you just end up walking or using the bus anyway. Also, look into investing in a bike! They cut transportation times down significantly, are a great form of exercise, and are great for the environment!
- Use your voice!
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One of the best things you can do for the environment is to use your voice! Make sure you’re registered to vote, do your research, and pick candidates who share your beliefs on climate change and environmental protection!