With a tight schedule and plenty of homework and studies, it can be a bit tough for students to be eco-friendly if not done consciously. Going green should be a priority for the students especially because they can set examples for the rest of society. If going green is set on the priority list, it becomes easier to make environment-friendly choices. If you are a student, here is how you can help to protect the environment.
1. Buy used textbooks whenever possible
Buying a new textbook for a new course looks tempting but it needs to be avoided whenever possible. Whenever possible look for used textbooks, you can borrow them from the seniors or even buy them from second-hand shops. Using old textbooks will help you in reducing your carbon footprint.
2. Take electronic notes
If you are preparing for exams or some semester exams, prefer creating notes on electronic devices. Making notes on paper is not environmentally friendly as it leads to deforestation. One can easily create notes on tablets and iPads and further share them with friends. Whenever possible for making notes on electronic devices.
3. Carry a reusable bottle
Single-use plastic water bottles are used a lot by organizations and educational institutions. College campuses are known for the usage of single-use plastic water bottles but this can be easily avoided by the students by carrying with themselves a reusable bottle.
4. Use as little paper as possible
As a student, the usage of paper can be plenty, but try to reduce the consumption of paper as much as possible. This holds true while taking notes, buying notebooks and books. Save the trees as much as possible by consciously reducing paper consumption.
5. Drive less
If you are studying, either choose to stay within the campus or near the campus if possible. Prefer to walk or cycle to reach your destination. If the distance is longer, choose public transport whenever possible. If a large number of students opt for environment-friendly transportation, the level of pollution will drop significantly.
6. Carry reusable bags
Shopping can result in plenty of plastic bags, to avoid carrying your very own reusable bags. Plastic bags are not only harmful to the environment but also consumes a lot of space in the home also. Reusable bags can be used more than once and it will save you from collecting more plastic bags and money too.
7. Switch off the lights and appliances when not in use
One of the best ways to save energy is by switching off the lights and appliances when not in use. Further, one can also go for energy-efficient bulbs too as they consume less energy, last longer and also save a lot of money on electricity bills.
8. Engage in eco-friendly projects
As students, one might get a plethora of opportunities to participate in eco-friendly projects and one should take advantage of this and spread the cause. By participating in eco-friendly projects, you will not only contribute to creating an environment-friendly space for yourself but you will also be spreading awareness of the same. If there are eco-friendly projects, you can start one and this is something that you can also boast about in interviews.
9. Participate in sustainable travel
Whether you are going on a holiday or returning home for the vacation, it is advised for students to participate in sustainable travel. Airlines such as UnitedWiFi, AaInflight has taken many things in consider to reduce carbon footprint and provide a more eco-friendly travelling opportunity.
10. Donate old clothes to charity
College students are mostly high on fashion and one can engage in fast fashion and fall for the trap. This is understandable as often the students run their life on pocket money. Firstly, while purchasing any new clothes, consider donating the old clothes to charity if you know that you will no longer be wearing them. Secondly, go for sustainable fashion as they are environment-friendly and quality clothes last longer.
11. Recycle whenever possible
Recycling is one of the best things that you can ever do for the environment. Instead of throwing away something, take a moment to reflect on whether the product can be recycled or not. If recycling is a possibility, recycle it and save resources. Further, you should consider segregating the waste generation into recyclable and non-recyclable manners.
Sometimes, implementing all the environment-friendly decisions is not possible. In such a situation, consider doing the best that you can do for saving the environment as a student and further, encourage other people to do the same.
