Students continually learn how in the world they can make a difference. There are workshops and clubs based on different social problems, and these places teach students how these problems can be modified. One common cause that has been popular in recent years is the protection of our resources and helping the environment.
There are a variety of ways that you can help protect, yes, YOU, this world we call Earth.
Use Reusable Bags
Grocery-type plastic bags that are thrown out end up in landfills or other areas of the environment. These can suffocate animals that get trapped in them, or they can be mistaken for food. Often, it takes the bags a while to decompose.
Using a reusable bag when you are shopping for food, clothing or books. It cuts down on garbage and prevents pets from getting a hold of them. There are also some stores that offer discounts for using reusable bags (such as Target)!
These bags are also helpful for items other than shopping. When they pass, I have heard of people using reusable bags!
Purchase a new one if you lose your bags at home. Better still, carry a few bags in your car so you never leave home without them (just make sure you put them there to remember)!
If you're in a situation where the plastic bags need to be used, reuse them or use them for something else the next time you go shopping. Just don't be so quick to have them thrown out!
There are several states that use plastic bags to ban or charge extra. The use of reusable bags benefits the environment AND your budget!
Print as little as necessary
We all had that teacher who wanted us to have a copy of every single reading when we came to school, or that professor who wanted a hard copy of the next week's ten-page paper. These are fine, but it seems as if they do not recognize that it is harmful to the environment to use so much paper.
What are you able to do? Ask your teacher if you can bring to class a laptop or an e-reader so that you can download and read the reading from there. If not, to decrease the amount of paper used, print on both sides of the page.
Ask the professor if it is okay to print on both sides of the page if you need to turn in a long paper and explain why you're asking. Most educators also care about the setting and would be willing to allow you to do so.
Recycle
Recycling is such a simple thing to do, but it is not done by so many people. Many waste disposal businesses provide recycling services, so check with the business you are using to see if they can help you get started! It's as simple as having a bin and putting it out for free with your trash cans!
Also, check with your RA to see if your dorm offers recycling options.
Looking for recycling cans near trashcans is another way to recycle. Instead of throwing recyclables with your non-recyclables in the trash, make a point to take an extra step around your campus to locate recycling cans.
Use a Reusable Beverage Container
Consider buying a bulk container of the beverage you want and buying a reusable water bottle instead of buying individually-packaged drinks. Not only will this help the environment, but since you are buying a bulk container, it will also help you save money.
Many campuses offer water fountains designed for drinking as well as reusable water bottles for refilling. When you finish off the initial drink, use these fountains throughout the day.
Many restaurants offer reusable containers for drinks along these lines. If you go to a certain location a lot, to help minimize waste, consider buying one of these containers. A lot of coffee shops even give customers who use a reusable container for their drinks a discount.
Starbucks, as an example, gives customers who do this a small discount. Saving money and the environment? Uh, win-win.
Don’t Throw Your Notes Away
Students are often stuck with notes at the end of the semester that they no longer need, especially from GenEd classes that have little, if anything, to do with their major.
The good news is that teachers who teach GenEd classes have to comply with college/university standards to preserve their content. This implies that next semester students will basically learn the same material from a class that you learned.
Ask your instructor to associate you with students in a future class if you take excellent notes, so that you can give them your notes. By being able to understand what they are studying in another student's words, these notes will benefit students. Reading items that are worded differently from what the instructor said is helpful. Depending on the teacher's burden for the semester, you will need to find a student on your own.
Helping others take the same class would feel wonderful! On online college boards,
you can list your notes. Although some may be willing to purchase the notes at a discount,
because you are helping them out, it will feel just as good to give them your notes for free!
Notes can also be appreciated by other student organizations. The Veteran's Club had a
separate building with services at the community college I was attending. They had an area
used by students for textbooks, and they could check the books out for a semester, and several
individuals would bundle notes with the books. Ask around to see if there is anything like this
for every company.
At the very least, if you can't find someone to send the notes, recycle the paper you used.
Save Electricity
Using light bulbs that are energy efficient instead of standard bulbs. They last longer, which will save you a bit of money (a college budget helps a little bit, right?).
If you do not use them, turn off the lights, the TV, and other appliances.
When it isn't required, lower your air conditioning or heat. This is particularly true for the seasons in between. In early fall, open your windows, or cover your clothes in early fall.
Save Water
More often than we can see, water is lost. Switch the faucet off while the teeth are being cleaned. Don't turn on your shower until you are about to wash your hair and get in. As you wash dishes, limit your water use. It would be beneficial for both the world and your wallet to change old habits!
Avoid Taking Cars or Carpool when Possible Cars are environmentally damaging. Better choices that support the environment and your budget, as well as getting some exercise in, are taking public transit, biking, or riding a bike to class!
Compare schedules and residency locations with those in your classes if you need to use your car. The cost of petrol can be divided and you have alternating schedules on who drives when. This is cheaper than driving alone and you will be closer to mates!
