Go Green: 6 Ways to Be a Greener Student
October 15, 2009 · Filed Under Guest Posts, Save and Go Green
Going green doesn’t just have to be for the adult set, you can get involved as a student. If you learn early on some good habits towards green living, you will be more certain to live a life catered to giving back to the environment.
- Bike to Your Destination: While it’s easy to jump in a car, particularly to hit up your class on the other end of campus, biking can be an excellent way to go green. It’s quite common to see students bike and this is a great way to conserve energy. As you jump on your bike, you can burn some calories and feel good to your contribution to green and eco-friendly living.
- Buy Organic: So your options may be limited in the cafeteria, but whenever possible go for organic foods. Have mom and dad buy you some organic fruits and vegetables, as this is not only a healthier food choice but a more eco-friendly one as well. This ensures that pesticides weren’t used and allows you to do your part for being a greener student.
- Conserve Energy Wherever Possible: Let’s face it, most students tend to leave a light on here and there or let the water run more than they should. Do your part to conserve energy whenever possible. If you’re leaving a room, turn the light off. If you’re brushing your teeth, turn the water off. This is so easy and is really the essence of green living, all easy enough to do as a student.
- Recycle As Much As Possible: It’s easy to fall into a trap of throwing everything out because it’s a lot easier, but recycling is an excellent way to be a greener student. Recycle whatever you can—bottles, glass, newspaper are all easy ways to start and can go a long way in terms of green living.
- Get Involved: If your school doesn’t have a recycling program, then start one. If there is an energy conservation program, get involved in it. Sometimes being a greener student is just a matter of getting involved and being an activist for the right measures. It need not be anything elaborate, but any effort can go a long way.
- Reuse Old Products: You’d be amazed at what new uses you can come up with for an empty milk carton or cereal box. Before you throw out or even recycle, think of unique ways that you can reuse some of your favorite household containers. You just might surprise yourself!
- Use Energy Efficient Appliances and Products: There are a ton of energy efficient products out there from microwaves to cars. As you are working to get your dorm room set up, opt for any energy efficient choices you can find. This is an excellent way to become a greener student.
Living green isn’t as hard as it used to be. Do your part as a student and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how good it makes you feel. Living green can be easy and quite effective if you plan your efforts carefully.
Mary Ward is a freelance writer who writes about how to get a BSN online.
