Whether this is your first year or senior year, living on campus is an emotional roller-coaster filled with lots of growing pain, making friends, and finding quiet time to actually do work. Even years ago, I made sure to recycle but didn’t know what else I could do to be more sustainable. Here are some tips to green your dorm (and everyday) life.
Use reusable water bottle everywhere you go including class and keep a water pitcher/water purifier/filter in your dorm room.
Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Drinking Bottle, 24-Ounce
CFL and LED light bulbs last 8 times longer and use 75% less energy than 40w standard incandescents.
I remember nights when I was up studying late and would crave snacks. Back then, vending machines were too plentiful and so was my change. But with healthy snacks abound, you can prevent yourself from snacking on the things that will make you least productive. If you have a small fridge, keep fruits and small veggies stocked. Trail mixes and granola bars with low sugar will keep you energized and free from temptation.
Staples offers a cool program to recycle both and you receive $2 back in Staples Rewards per recycled cartridge. You can recycle up to 10 per month, when you’ve spent at least $40 on ink or toner in at staples in the past 180 days. For more information, click here.
One of the big adjustments in college will be washing your own clothes and trying to do so before your room turns into a rancid room of funk. Eco-friendly detergents are not made with harmful pollutants, toxins or chemicals, and tend to be hypoallergenic. They work just as well if not better than conventional detergents without the harm.
Seventh Generation Liquid Laundry 4x, 2 Count : $23.52
Earth Friendly Products ECOS Liquid Laundry Detergent – 2 Pack : $14.02
Any electronic device that remains plugged in is using energy, even though it is off. So by turning it off or even unplugging devices that are not in use, you can reduce the amount of energy you’re using. you can also invest in smart power strips that stop leeching energy when appliances are not in use.
For example, see if submitting your paper via email to a professor is an option or reading assignments online (on computer or tablet). And if you must print, and it is a draft, try printing on used paper and/or print on both sides to reduce waste.
The quality your sleep will make all the difference between an A and a B+.
Organic cotton is very versatile thus its popularity. Certified organic cotton ensures that produces are using only materials and methods that reduce use of toxins and as harmful to the environment as conventional. Organic certification also prevents the use of genetically modified crops.
Bamboo fabrics are a great option as they are soft, breathable, antibacterial, thermal regulating, non-irritating, and hypoallergenic. Bamboo is grown naturally and grows quicker (and yields 10 times more) than an acre of cotton because it is a grass. -YGL’s New Mommy Green Guide 2013
Hemp and Recycled Fabric are also viable and eco-friendly options. I’ve seen and purchased organic cotton sheets from stores like Target and Macys so they are very accessible.
How will you make your dorm (or apartment) more eco-friendly? Is there anything I’m missing? Leave a comment and let me know what to add!
Also make sure to follow my Green Dorm Pinterest board!
