Today, sustainability is more important than ever. As students, we can make a big difference in our world by picking up a few daily habits that not only help the planet but also create a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Keep reading to learn simple yet effective habits you can incorporate in your daily routine to live more sustainably.
1. Recycle
-It is important to make sure that you are recycling paper, plastic, and glass in your residence hall or apartment. There are many bins that are seen in buildings on campus that accept paper and mixed recycling, so make sure that you look out for them. You can recognize them by the three-arrowed-symbol that is seen on all of the bins. By recycling, you are reducing waste, conserving natural resources, saving energy, minimizing pollution, and contributing to a healthier planet and a more sustainable future.
2. Carry a Reusable Water Bottle/Cup
-A reusable water bottle or cup can significantly reduce the amount of plastic that you are buying and using. I recommend refilling your water bottle throughout the day as there are at least 30 stations installed across campus. Some of these refill stations have been funded by the Student Green Fee. You could also bring your own cup to a coffee shop such as Delyte’s, located in Morris Library, or Starbucks, located in the Student Center, which will help you avoid using disposable cups and straws. By implementing these small actions in your everyday life, you are preventing thousands of plastic items from ending up in landfills.
3. Shop Secondhand
-Personally, I love thrift shops! Instead of buying brand-new clothes, I recommend shopping at thrift stores or secondhand shops. This is a great way to find unique items that you may not find in other stores. Secondhand shopping also reduces demand for fast fashion, which has a significant environmental impact. It is a large contributor to climate change due to its high carbon footprint, from production to transportation and disposal. Many thrift stores are much more affordable and offer sustainable fashion choices.
4. Walk, Bike, or Use Public Transport
-Instead of driving, I recommend walking, biking, or using public transportation to get around. This reduces your carbon emissions and is often a quicker and sustainable option for getting to classes or events. It is also great for your health! If you are walking across campus, you can get to classes in as quick as 5-10 minutes. SIU also offers the Saluki Express mass transit system which provides students, faculty, staff, and the Carbondale community with reliable transportation around our region and community. You can even track the bus on your mobile device with the Jax GO app, so that you know when it is coming. Check out more information here.
5. Use Digital Notes and Study Materials
-Reduce paper waste by taking notes digitally instead of using notebooks. Many apps and tools allow you to organize and store your notes efficiently, and you don’t have to worry about excess paper waste. It also makes studying even simpler as everything is in one folder/document and you do not have to flip through numerous pages to find what you are looking for.
6. Buy in Bulk
-When grocery shopping, buying food/miscellaneous items in bulk minimizes packaging waste. I encourage you to plan your meals for the week in advance to avoid food waste. If you have leftovers, donate to food banks. Being mindful of your food consumption helps reduce carbon emissions produced during food production and transportation, while also saving you money.
By applying these daily habits to your life, you can significantly reduce your environmental impact while making a positive change in the world. Start out small and stay consistent as these sustainable habits will create a lasting impact on the Earth!
