How many K-cups have you used this week? How many banana peels have you thrown away today? How many times do you forget to turn the lights off when leaving a room?
Don’t worry if you answered “a ton” for at least one (or all) of these questions — you aren’t alone. All of us college students are guilty of these thoughtless acts, and we all have relatively good reasons for doing so. We forget, it isn’t convenient, and it’s time-consuming. As we venture deeper into the semester, the college days only grow longer and more difficult. We may find ourselves neglecting Mother Nature. However, now is the time to start retraining yourself so that you can give Mother Nature a loving hug.
1. Unplug
Before you take on the day (or night), make sure you’ve unplugged all of your unused chargers, wires and hanging lights. Although these are relatively minute energy wasters, it’s something we can all easily try to change.
2. Reusable Coffee Cups
Yes, you’ve probably already made the switch from plastic water bottles to reusable ones, but don’t forget about your coffee cups. Disposable coffee cups aren’t natural, which means Mother Nature will need to work hard to decompose it — it usually takes 20 years! By making this change, you can let Mother Nature tend to her many other obligations. In addition, most coffee shops reward reusable coffee cup users with a discount.
3. Compost Container
Fruit and vegetables are a great way not only to love your body but also to love our earth — take advantage of those wastage to create natural fertilizers. However, this only works if we properly dispose of them. By establishing a designated compost bin in your home, you can allow food to complete its life cycle. Also, you can carry a small container around in your backpack for the times that a compost bin isn’t available.
4. Reusable K-Cups
K-cups create a one-and-done system, which is simple for us students but more than complicated for Mother Nature. Instead of buying boxes of individual k-cups, you can purchase reusable k-cups and grounded coffee beans or tea leaves. This substitution not only helps Mother Nature but also your bank account.
5. Diva Cup
Diva cups are reusable menstruation cups. This can be intimidating, but our monthly waste is a six-month-long annoyance for Mother Nature. Furthermore, this transition ends up saving you money. Its initial price is $50, but, if used and cleaned properly, it lasts ten years.
When Mother Nature’s cries, we must not ignore her — we must be her voice. In the midst of environmental crises, we may sometimes forget the power of our own agency. By retraining our mindless waste-generating habits, we’re actively standing up for Mother Nature. In doing so, others will surely join too!