By Erin Rebello

It’s that time of year when university acceptance letters are coming out and high school senior students are getting excited about leaving their homes to live on their own. Though the “dorm life” is a dream for many, it can actually be quite stressful not to know what to expect before moving into a new place. Not only this, but the amount of waste produced by students living on campus is much higher than you might imagine. It’s not easy living green when you’re on your own for the first time, and on a budget. There are ways that you can reduce your ecological footprint to help the planet:

Schoolwork

When in university or college, education should be your number one priority. Even so, there are several ways to reduce your carbon footprint while keeping up your grades:

• Avoid unnecessary printing. Although you cannot (and should not) skip assignments that must be turned in on paper, it’s good to have a conversation with your profs in advance. With the availability and accessibility of online submission software, you may be able to hand in your work online. As a matter of fact, many universities are already switching to this paperless option, so you may not even have to ask!
• Skip the notes- well, the paper ones! Although it can be fun to take a hardcopy of your notes on paper, with numerous courses throughout the school year, this quickly adds up! Instead, try taking notes on Google Docs or Microsoft Word, to avoid having to use paper every single lesson. If you use software such as the Google Suite, you’ll also be able to access your notes from anywhere, so you won’t have to worry about losing your notes or forgetting them in your dorm! If you still love the physical aspect of writing, consider trying out the Apple Pencil and I-Pad pro. The software Procreate allows you to take stunning notes with the Apple Pencil at the tap of a button. Easy peasy and Mother Nature approved!

Food and Meals

While gaining your diploma, you’re sure to need brain food to keep you going! When reaching for nourishment, remember that there are ways to eat that are sustainable and good for earth!

• Although they are easily overlooked, disposable waste contributes to quite a lot of waste generated in dorms. When living on your own, it can be easy to use plastic cutlery, paper plates, and disposable cups to avoid having to do the dishes afterwards. This hurts not only the planet but also our wallet! Over time, it’s far more expensive to keep repurchasing paper and plastic products than it is to buy one set of quality reusable cups, plates, and cutlery.
• Avoid the temptation of using meal delivery services. With the advent of apps such as UberEats, Skip the Dishes, Foodora, etc, instant food service has never been easier. As convenient and tempting as it may sound, it’s important to recognize the amount of additional carbon generated by the transportation of food, as well as the disposable cutlery provided. If you want to eat out, opt for on-campus options and try to dine in!

Hygiene

If there’s one thing you shouldn’t forget when living on your own, it’s hygiene! Keep your room (and yourself) smelling fresh with these eco-friendly reminders!

• Instead of using harsh chemical cleaners to disinfect your dormitory, opt for more environmentally friendly alternatives! Brands like Common Good, Seventh Generation, and Mrs. Meyers are less irritating and more environmentally friendly in terms of their ingredients lists and business practices. You can also follow some simple DIY tutorials on Youtube to make your own cleaning products!
• Switching your makeup, skincare, and body care products are also a crucial step on your path to being more eco-friendly. Look into brands that are fair-trade, eco-friendly, and cruelty-free for the most socially and environmentally friendly products to purchase! With a bit of research it’s easy to find products which generate far less waste than their drugstore counterpart.

Lifestyle

If you truly want to embrace the eco-friendly lifestyle, university is a great time to start! Below are a few ways to change up your general lifestyle to be better for the environment.

• Thrift and buy goods and furniture secondhand. If you’re planning to live in a dorm, you’re probably preparing to do a lot of shopping for the furniture and wall decor. Instead of buying everything brand new, why not save money and do Mother Nature a favour at the same time by purchasing second hand furniture? Online second hand retailers like Kijiji and Craigslist make it easy to browse hundreds of options at once. You can also head to your local Goodwill or Salvation Army if you prefer to shop in person instead.
• Thrift your clothing too! With thrifting making a comeback, it’s becoming trendy to purchase second hand clothing again! Capitalize on this trend and say no to fast fashion by bargain-hunting through the racks of thrift stores in your area. Grab a friend and you can make it an event!
• The final thing that a lot of people tend to forget is the fact that eco-friendly tips you used back home also apply to dormitory life. Simple acts like taking shorter showers and closing the windows when the AC/heater is on make a huge difference in the long run. Keep up with the habits your parents have taught you in your own household and you’ll be able to continue being eco-friendly!