Here at UF, we’ve been blessed with a beautiful, green campus. Unfortunately, millions of single-use plastics live alongside the freshly fallen leaves. Plastic straws, cups, wrappers and bags take a minimum of 20 years to decompose, while some plastics can take hundreds of years. Even then, according to the United Nations, plastic never fully disappears. It just gets smaller and smaller.
We are living in a world where the health of our planet is not always a priority, and environmental protections can easily take a back seat. We are seeing the consequences, including some of the hottest summers on record.
But there’s hope, and that’s where you come in. So let’s talk about it. There are countless simple ways we can live more sustainably, and all this requires is two things: awareness and consistency, traits every Gator should have.
#1. Simple but a Swamp Staple: Investing in a Reusable Water Bottle
This one might seem self-explanatory…after all, what college student doesn’t have a water bottle? Most of us probably do, but if you don’t, here’s your sign. The most important part of having a reusable water bottle is actually taking it everywhere. Forgetfulness leads to our cars being riddled with plastic water bottles, and eventually, our beautiful waters and beaches become a place for your forgetfulness to live forever.
So, as a solution, invest in more than one. Keep one in your car, one in your backpack and one at home. Most are cheap and easy to find and probably less expensive than constantly buying single-use ones. Amazon always has solid options, and my Owala has never failed me. All it takes is a little bit of proactiveness and consistency. Plus, you’re hydrated! I may have felt a fall breeze the other day, but it’s still hot in Florida.
#2. Boycott The Bags: Invest In A Reusable Bag for Groceries
A couple of summers ago, I visited Montreal, Canada. One of the things that caught my eye most was the lack of plastic bags — stores were stocked with bags made from alternative materials. Now, unfortunately, the U.S. hasn’t reached that level of sustainability, but I was inspired.
Bringing a couple of tote bags instead is a great solution and something I’ve made a habit of. They’re cute, easy to carry, customizable and sustainable. Next time you’re looking for a fun way to spend a girls’ night in, head to Michaels or Hobby Lobby to grab some tote bags and paint!
#3. Iced Latte Epidemic or Single-use Plastic Epidemic: Bring Your Own Cup
Now, the amount of money I spend on coffee alone is humiliating and absurd. But what can I say? I’m a sucker for starting my day with a sweet treat. The other day, though, I stared at my $8 iced coffee and, all of a sudden, it was a clump of plastic sitting in a landfill. Plastic cup, plastic lid and a plastic straw: a turtle’s worst nightmare.
So here are some solutions we can try:
- Coffee at home: Invest in a Nespresso. Now you’re saving money and turtles! (Yes, Nespresso does use plastic pods, but still — iced coffees at home in reusable cups and straws? Sign me up.)
- Bring your own cup: When you go to Starbucks at Lib West or your favorite coffee shop downtown, bring your own cup! Most places won’t mind making your coffee in a cup from home.
#4. The Art of Reusing: Shop Secondhand
Some of the best clothes, shoes, jewelry and furniture have come from secondhand stores. This is my favorite way of practicing sustainability. And you can donate your clothes at many places too! Thrift stores are the best (and cheapest) way to fill up your closet.
Here are some of my favorite Gainesville staples:
- Goodwill (any location will work)
- Sandy’s Savvy Chic Resale Boutique
- Flashbacks
Shop secondhand! Find cool pieces no one else has, and stop supporting fast fashion.
#5. Recycle: The Hardest, But Most Rewarding
Recycling is hard, but it’s not impossible and it makes a big difference. If you’re serious about sustainability, this one’s for you. Here’s how you can start:
- Go to Alachua County’s Recycles Website. Here you can learn more about what can be recycled and your county’s rules.
- Each county is a little different, but for the most part, residents interested in recycling will need 3 separate bins on trash day:
- The Orange Bin: Paper and cardboard
- The Blue bin: Plastics, glass and metals
- The Black Bin: Trash and other non-recyclables
At the end of the day, living sustainably doesn’t have to mean completely changing the way you live. It’s about making small changes when you can and seeing the impact you can have. You aren’t powerless. So let’s do our part to keep the Swamp green, beautiful and sustainable.