Presented by Garnier x Her Campus
In the midst of midterms and essays and the little bit of social time we get as students, it’s easy to forget that we should be caring for the environment we inhabit every day. Taking a part in “greener” living isn’t hard. In fact, it can be almost subconscious.
For the first time ever, HC at UC Berkeley is partnering with Garnier to help promote greener beauty in just a few easy steps. As the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, engineers (or whatever it is you’re pursuing!), it’s important for us to help protect our planet’s resources for future generations.
Here are just a few ways for you to be eco-friendly as you continue to go about your busy student life.
1. Sorting Your Trash aka It’s More Than Just Bottles and Cans
Recycling is one of the easiest ways you can go green in Berkeley. All residences in Berkeley are required to provide three bins to sort your plastic, landfill, and compost. Many bins also have signs that let you know what qualifies as recycling or compost. Before long, this essential activity becomes second nature whenever you take out the trash.
2. Thrifting aka One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Closet
Berkeley is well known for its thrifting culture, and if you haven’t given it a shot yet, it’s time. Buying secondhand items reduces the number of resources required to produce new items and makes less of a dent in your wallet. Your single purchase saves a one-of-a-kind vintage item from being discarded. Start saving your money and take advantage of thrifting. You might even find a pre-loved version of that jacket that caught your eye online.. But the wins don’t stop here! Consider donating or selling the items you don’t want anymore. It’s a great way to reduce waste and help others who may need the items themselves.
3. Buying a Reusable Water Bottle aka It’s Time to Break Up With Plastic
Carrying a reusable water bottle around campus instead of buying endless plastic water bottles reduces the amount of energy used in recycling plastic. Trust me, having a reusable water bottle in your favorite color is much cooler than any single-use plastic. If you brew or drink coffee, keep a reusable mug with you. It helps you avoid Berkeley’s city-wide disposable cup fee, and some coffee shops even offer discounts if you bring in your own reusable cup!
4. Saving Water aka The Ripple Starts with You
Turning the water off while you’re brushing your teeth and cutting your shower time by a song or two are little actions that help a large cause. Even though it doesn’t seem like a big step, every little bit helps.
5. Choosing Eco-friendly Products aka Read the Label
If you’re the type of person who lingers in the beauty aisle while figuring out the best product that isn’t harmful to your body or the planet, then Garnier products are the right choice for you. One product I use every day is the Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Original Makeup Remover. Using 99% vegan ingredients*, this product cleanses your face in just one step. Other products, such as Garnier’s EcoPads and Sleek & Shine Shampoo and Conditioner, are also skin and planet friendly, and super affordable for UC Berkeley students.
These small adjustments throughout your everyday life doesn’t seem hard at all, right? By switching to green beauty brands like Garnier, drinking from a reusable water bottle, and buying second-hand, we’ll be able to meet our goals and help make the Earth a cleaner and greener place!
If you’re feeling inspired to go green and want to participate in a powerful activity, HC at UC Berkeley would love for you to join our upcoming event, Go Green, Go Garden! Our community-oriented garden volunteering event is set to take place on Sunday, April 23 from 10 am to 12 pm. We would love for your to join us at University Village Community Garden as we work together to create pollinator gardens for this local organization. We hope to see you there!
*footnote: no animal derived ingredients
This is a sponsored article. All opinions are 100% our own.