Help your student give campus life a ‘green’ makeover

College is full of challenges. While studying, socializing, joining clubs and getting good grades are probably on college students’ priority lists, young people also can think about living green on campus.

Data from Nielsen points to millennials as being an eco-conscious generation. Millennials are willing to pay extra for sustainable offerings, and they tend to stick to brands that have established a reputation for environmental stewardship.

Even though college students may have packed schedules, they can still manage to keep the planet in mind as they live and educate themselves. Here are just a few ways college students can live green in dorms and incorporate ecofriendly practices into their studies as well.

• Live on campus. One green idea is to skip the commute to and from classes and reside right on campus in dormitories or nearby student housing. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, transportation is responsible for 13 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Living close to the classroom can help reduce emissions.

• Recycle as much as you can. Whether it’s plastic, paper, aluminum or books, put recyclable items in the proper receptacles. Find ways to lend or give away items that you may no longer need, such as last semester’s textbooks. Recycling cuts back on the size of landfills and lowers the demand for the production of new materials.

• Buy and dine locally. Choose sustainable, organic and locally produced items when shopping or dining out. This can include locally made furnishings and supplies, as well as farm-to-table restaurants.

• Walk or bike. Leave the car in its parking spot and walk or bike to nearby events. It’s good exercise and good for the planet as well.

• Borrow dorm room items. Scout out items from family members or friends that can be used to equip a dorm room. Chances are you can find people willing to give you or loan out chairs, a small table, desk, electronics and more. Borrowing enables you to buy less.

• Take e-notes. Bring a tablet or laptop to class and take electronic notes. This cuts back on paper usage and will enable you to have all notes in a compact file.

• Use LED lights. Illuminate your dorm room and work station with lamps that use LED lights, which burn significantly less energy and last much longer than incandescent bulbs.

• Enroll in an environment-focused class. Enroll in environmental science or a similar course that teaches you more about the impact industry and personal living has on the environment. Take what you know to educate others about what they can do to be more eco-conscious.

Going green on campus can have a profound impact on students and their futures.

PHOTO COURTESY OF METROCREATIVE