When I’m tabling at events a lot of people are interested in environmental issues but find the amount of information overwhelming and sometimes feel like personal efforts are futile. Recently after interviewing for an article in CWU Pulse Magazine I compiled this list of ways a college student on a budget can help the environment. I tested it out as a resource at KEEN’s Winter Fair and the fair goers found it so useful that I thought I would post it here for easy reference. As always, there are many more ways but this is a great place to start!

WHAT CAN I DO?

There are easy ways you can help the planet!

EAT LESS MEAT

Become vegan/vegetarian or try meatless Mondays

CARRY YOUR CUP

Choose a water bottle or reusable coffee cup that you love and keep it with you

CONSERVE ELECTRICITY

Always keep electronics powered down when not in use and unplug chargers from the wall

SHOP LOCALLY

The farther an item travels to get to you the more resources were used

REDUCE WHENEVER POSSIBLE

Generate less waste by buying things used, bringing reusable bags to the store, taking shorter showers, bringing a container for your leftovers when you eat out, composting, carpooling, biking or walking, and opting for sustainable packaging

I can’t stress enough how important it is to reduce. Many items that are able to be recycled simply are not and the amount of plastics polluting our environment is unhealthy. As we face new struggles in the recycling industry, such as our local facility no longer accepting glass, it’s up to us to become smarter consumers and focus on the changes we can make in the products we buy and the waste we create. Not everyone can be zero waste but everybody can make a difference by reducing the packaging that comes into their home.