Being a busy college student leaves you with little time to be as environmentally conscious as you may want to be. It may seem that the effort that environmentally friendly choices require can’t be fit in between classes, essays, studying, or perhaps a part-time job.
There are, however, five easy choices that you can make that take little time and effort. Not to mention the potential money that can be saved that you may have not known was being wasted.
- Paper or Plastic? Neither
Using a cloth bag when you’re out grocery shopping actively reduces the total amount plastic and paper waste in your community. You could reduce the amount of garbage that you contribute by just simply changing the bags that you use through companies such as https://customgrocerybags.com/.
- E-Notes
By taking lecture notes on a tablet or laptop instead of a paper notebook can prove to be advantageous in more ways than one. Taking notes electronically can help you be more organized by having all of the notes for all of your classes in one easily transportable location. Not only will it reduce the weight of your backpack, it will also help you spend less on paper.
- Energy Saver
While exhaustion might seem like an inescapable reality right now, your living quarters don’t need to feel the same. Cutting down on energy expenditures can lead to more money in your pocket. By simply turning the thermostat down or the AC up a few notches, you won’t notice much of a difference in temperature, but you will notice a big difference in your wallet. Powering off appliances such as your computer or TV, you can slice your monthly electric bill down.
- Get to Steppin’
Most 4-year colleges do not permit you to have a car on campus during your first two years, requiring you to take public transit, bike, or walk. This may seem to be an inconvenience at first, but take in to consideration the street traffic on your campus. Walking or biking is actually more time efficient than driving or taking the bus. Most universities encourage walking by being pedestrian friendly. Eventually you have to ask yourself, does a car seem really all that necessary? The money that would be spent on upkeep, maintenance, and gasoline can be spent on more necessary purchases.
- Reusable Water Bottles
Buying bottled water might seem simpler, but like most things that are simpler, they tend to cost extra money. Water bottles fill up your trash and cost extra money for a product that comes relatively free right out of your faucet. Investing in a filter and a reusable water bottle or canteen can save you extra cash. This goes for coffee too. There are reusable bottles that keep your cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot.
There are so many small efforts that you can make that reduce your impact on the environment without burning a hole in your pocket. By taking these tips into consideration, you’ll be better off rather than continuing wasteful habits.
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