Give your college campus
a ‘green’ makeover
11
Metro Creative Connection
College is full of challenges. While
studying, socializing, joining
clubs, and getting good grades are
probably on college students’ priority
lists, young people also can think about
living green on campus.
Data from Nielsen points to millennials
as being an eco-conscious generation.
Millennials are willing to pay extra for
sustainable offerings, and they tend to
stick to brands that have established a
reputation for environmental stewardship.
Even though college students might
have packed schedules, they can still
manage to keep the planet in mind as
they live and educate themselves.
Here are just a few ways college
students can live green in dorms and
incorporate eco-friendly practices into
their studies as well.
• Live on campus. One green idea
is to skip the commute to and from
classes and reside right on campus in
dormitories or nearby student housing.
According to the United States Environmental
Protection Agency, transportation
is responsible for 13 percent of
the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Living close to the classroom can help
reduce emissions.
• Recycle as much as you can.
Whether it’s plastic, paper, aluminum,
or books, put recyclable items in the
proper receptacles. Find ways to lend or
give away items that you may no longer
need, such as last semester’s textbooks.
Recycling cuts back on the size of
landfills and lowers the demand for the
production of new materials.
• Buy and dine locally. Choose sustainable,
organic and locally produced
items when shopping or dining out. This
can include locally made furnishings
and supplies, as well as farm-to-table
restaurants.
• Walk or bike. Leave the car in its
parking spot and walk or bike to nearby
events. It’s good exercise and good for
the planet as well.
• Borrow dorm room items. Scout out
items from family members or friends
that can be used to equip a dorm room.
Chances are you can find people willing
to give you or loan out chairs, a small
table, desk, electronics, and more. Borrowing
enables you to buy less.
• Take e-notes. Bring a tablet or
laptop to class and take electronic notes.
This cuts back on paper usage and will
enable you to have all notes in a compact
file.
• Use LED lights. Illuminate your dorm
room and work station with lamps that
use LED lights, which burn significantly
less energy and last much longer than
incandescent bulbs.
• Enroll in an environment-focused
class. Enroll in Environmental Science or
a similar course that teaches you more
about the impact industry and personal
living has on the environment. Take
what you know to educate others about
what they can do to be more eco-conscious.
Going green on campus can have a
profound impact on students and their
futures.