Happy Earth Day!

Today, even more than most days, we should be looking for ways to live more sustainably.

You might be thinking that this isn’t possible in a dorm room or on a college campus in general, but it’s really much easier than you may think.

Here are five ways to work toward a more sustainable way of living:

1. Recycle, recycle, recycle!

If you’re drinking a lot of pop, use a lot of boxes, etc., it’s easy to just throw those things in the trash, but it’s just as easy to find a recycling bin to throw them into. Take a few extra steps to the kitchenette in your dorm or to the recycling bin outside your apartment and make that little bit of difference.

Even better, take your pop bottles to a local bottle recycling center and make 5 cents off of each bottle!

2. Turn off the lights

If you’re just hanging in you dorm or apartment during the day, there’s really no need to have the lights on. Open your window shade and soak in the natural sunlight rather than using unnecessary energy!

3. Use cloth/canvas bags instead of plastic

Cloth or canvas bags can be reused and don’t cause harm to the environment, plastic on the other hand has the opposite effects. The canvas bags cost around $1 at your local grocery store and last a lifetime (ok, maybe not a lifetime, but you get the point). 

If you absolutely refuse to use the canvas bags, the least you can do is recycle the plastic ones instead of throwing them in the trash.

4. Use less water

A shorter warm shower probably doesn’t sound like the ideal option, but if you’re looking to make a difference when it comes to sustainability, it’s worth it. It’s as easy as taking a shorter shower or even just turning the sink off as you brush your teeth.

5. Donate and buy second-hand clothing

It’s cheaper and a sustainable option — does it get any better? Buying second-hand clothing is a big thing in today’s world with stores like Goodwill, The Salvation Army and Plato’s Closet. Plus, it’s a cheap option if you’re looking for new clothes on a budget!