Contrary to popular belief, sustainability isn’t about going completely vegan or boycotting using shampoo. The aim is always to minimize your carbon footprint and simplify your life – and no, you don’t have to give up on everything you love to accomplish that. Every small effort adds up to a sizeable positive impact. If you’re a college student hoping to switch to the greener side, here are a couple of things that might help.

1.    Check Your Device Settings

In this day and age, you’re nothing without your gadgets. Believe it or not, devices suck up substantial amounts of energy. Firstly, it’s better to use laptops than desktops, as the former requires fewer resources and uses less energy. Whatever gadget you use, make sure to activate its energy-saving settings.

Pexels | We’re all guilty of falling asleep in front of a working screen quite often, without realizing how much energy we’re wasting

2.    Shop Smart

Plastic bags are not biodegradable – we’re sure you’ve heard that plenty of times by now. Remember to carry a cloth bag with you around when stepping out for a purchase. Better yet, if it’s a small one, you don’t even need a bag at all. Similarly, single-use plastic bottles are just as bad as plastic bags. So, while you’re at the store, get yourself a reusable water bottle, maybe a water filter, and of course, an insulated mug for those daily coffee/tea runs.

Pexels | Always say no to plastic bags and single-use plastic bottles

3.    Avoid Wasting Water

You waste so much water without even realizing it, for instance, when you leave the water running during those long showers or even while you’re brushing your teeth. Sometimes, even those faucet drips waste more water than you realize. Now’s the time to challenge yourself to change – do your laundry only when there’s a full load with only the recommended minimum amount of detergent or take shorter showers!

4.    Donate Your Stuff

You can also support sustainability by donating the things you no longer use instead of throwing them away. While nonprofits welcome your dollars, they also appreciate receiving clothes, shoes, dishes, furniture, cell phones, computers, etc. You know what they say: your trash might be someone else’s treasure!

5.    Reuse and Recycle

Wrapping food in foil or plastic wrap might save some space in your fridge but, it’s having a long-lasting negative impact on the environment. Now’s the time to invest in some plastic containers. Make an effort to purchase items that come in recyclable or reusable packaging. Repurpose your old stuff or donate it instead of disposing of it in a landfill somewhere.

Pexels | Any and all unrecycled items are highly hazardous to the environment

Bottom Line

Consider the world in crisis mode. Every little effort matters and brings us a step closer to saving the environment. Don’t shy away from playing your part.