Climate change is the most prominent, defining issue of today. But, we can’t really expect the government to save the planet we live in. No single person can do this alone. In order for this to work, everyone has to take a small part. And now that you’re a grown individual, you definitely need to take some action. Thankfully, there are ways for students to save the environment. Here are ten examples.
1. Recycle
By recycling, you might not be able to save the world, but you’ll be affecting it in a positive way. If everyone stood up and started doing this small chore, our world would be much better, and so would our climate. There’s no legit excuse when it comes to recycling. It’s the simplest and least time-consuming thing you can do for your environment.
2. Swap Clothes with Your Roommate
Who says that there aren’t ways to help the environment that would help you directly, too? Instead of purchasing new clothes all the time and throwing the ones you’ve worn a couple of times, make a habit of swapping clothes with your roommates or friends. You will always have something new to wear and will save a lot. This is a great boost for your environmental impact, as well as your budget.
3. Use Natural Air Flow
When the weather is too hot, we all have this habit of turning up the air conditioning. As the generation who’s grown alongside technology, it’s hard to imagine living without such a device. However, when people used to be hot in the past, they used windows instead of an air conditioner. Learn what airflow works best and minimize your use of technology as much as possible. In fact, you’re much better off getting a window air conditioner than by getting a huge device that’ll keep your entire house cold.
4. Skip the Burgers and Go for the Salads
If you want to learn how to help the environment, you should start by helping yourself. You might not know this, but it takes 12 pounds of grain, 2500 gallons of water, and 35 pounds of topsoil to make a pound of beef. It also takes an energy equivalent to a single gallon of gasoline – all so you can eat those hamburgers every day.
This all adds up. By reducing your burger intake, you’re literally saving energy, not to mention improving your lifestyle and your health.
5. Get Reusable Grocery Bags
As a student, you’ll have to learn to shop on your own. When you do, don’t go for the paper or plastic option. Instead, pick the reusable grocery bags. Nowadays, some stores will even give you a discount if you bring such a bag with you!
6. Forget about Bottled Water
Most of us have this habit of getting bottled water on the go. Not only is this a waste of your money, but the plastic is one of the worst thing you can do to your environment. Plastic water bottles remain in landfills for over 500 years before they start decomposing. By replacing bottled water with reusable bottles and a water filter – you are making a small, but very important change for the environment.
7. Replace the Light bulbs
LEDs last ten times longer than the traditional, incandescent bulbs. This is cost-effective, but did you know that they use two-thirds less energy? Unlike the compact fluorescent light bulbs, the LEDs don’t contain mercury. So, if you haven’t done this already – start replacing your light bulbs with LED bulbs today!
8. Walk Around or Use Public Transportation
Your car lets out fumes that are terrible for the environment. To reduce the greenhouse gases, try walking more often. You can use a bike to get around and get some exercise in the process or use your local public transportation when you need to get further away. This should also give you a chance to tackle your forgotten homework. And, if you don’t have the time, professional writers will help with assignment right away when you use your phone to make an order.
9. Make Your Home Energy Efficient
Start with the windows – they are responsible for up to 30 percent of heat gain and heat loss. Then, move onto the insulation. Keep the window treatments closed when it’s too cold or too hot outside. And, make sure that you aren’t wasting energy when you are not at home.
10. Plant Some Trees
This sounds like the most natural solution, but have you done it, ever? Most students haven’t. When you have the time, plant a tree or two. It sounds like a small thing, but to our nature, it is a big deal.
By taking such small steps, you can really make a difference. Start today!
Cover image: save the planet, student protest, via unsplash
