Easy Ways to Promote Sustainability in College Students

Sustainability is all about the three R’s: reduce, reuse, and recycle. However, sometimes it’s hard to see how easy it is to partake in cleaning our planet. Here are some simple but effective ways to promote sustainability in college students. 

1. Take notes electronically instead of on paper. 

With the new technology provided in our generation, taking notes electronically allows us to use the tools we have to improve the state of our planet. By typing notes on a laptop, or writing notes out on an iPad, the demand for paper will decrease leading to less deforestation in other parts of the world. 

2. Buying a reusable water bottle. 

Plastic water bottles might be a convenience, but overall has a large negative impact on our ozone layer. According to National Geographic, for every 6 plastic water bottles recycled, only one goes to recycling. Change this statistic by practicing the habit of using a reusable water bottle. There are many great reusable bottles that have better properties than plain plastic ones. Some provide better insulation for both hot and cold drinks and others have a more convenient model for holding the bottle. Not to mention, there are so many more designs that will add a pop of color to your everyday routine. 

3. Recycling, whether that means books or plastic. 

Renting books rather than buying them is a great way to save money and the environment. There are many classes that require you to have a 700-page textbook, in other words, a lot of paper and ink. Instead of buying brand new books that you will most likely not use again, rent them. A better alternative to physical books could also be electronic books. 

4. Beware of overusing energy.

Turn off the lights when you leave the room. Not only are you saving the planet, but you would also be saving the electric bill. Stop charging devices overnight. Charging devices until they are full, then unplugging before you go to bed. There are so many ways to reduce wasting electricity in your everyday life. 

5. Getting some plants. 

Not only has science shown that this will have a beneficial effect on your mental health, but it also will give the Earth cleaner air. By having more people taking care of more plants, buying a plant or two can make a huge difference in the earth’s air. Not to mention, the very aesthetic decor a plant can add to a room. 

6. Community service, cleaning the earth. 

There are many service programs that are eco-friendly and are targeted toward picking up unwanted trash, planting trees, and more. Join a community service trip at least once a year to clean the earth.