Overarching issues such as effects of climate change and the ever-increasing human impact on the physical world around us seem so large at times that it feels hopeless to even try to do better. Yet, you may have heard of a funny saying that pertains to this and similar seemingly insurmountable problems. How do you eat an elephant? Simple. One bite at a time.

So, what are some simple, tangible steps you as a college student can make in your everyday life to help the planet? First, look at the products that you use every day. We all know the maxim Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Funnily enough, the Recycle portion of that equation seems to get the most attention, maybe because it requires the least amount of forethought. You have a plastic bottle; you remember to recycle it. Yet, recycling alone is not sufficient to tackling the problem, as only 32% of all municipal solid waste (e.g., standard trash, including recyclables) was recycled in 2018, with only marginal improvements to that number each year according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Overview.

In recent years, there has been a positive shift in focus to remind people to reduce the number of new products they are consuming, and a simple way to do this is by deliberately utilizing reusable and eco-friendly materials instead. This focus is especially powerful when it eliminates or lessens reliance on one-use products, such as water bottles, straws or plates. Here are some alternatives you can incorporate for a healthier and more eco-friendly lifestyle.

  • Stainless Steel Water Bottles

Do you have a friend that always seems to be carrying around their emotional support water bottle? It could be a fancy Yeti or Stanley cup, or a cheaper brand that isn’t as well known. The particular brand doesn’t matter much because, even if using a more expensive brand, the cost savings of eliminating a constant plastic water bottle purchasing habit will pay off – not to mention the benefit of significantly reduced personal plastic consumption. Just be sure to care for your water bottle based on manufacturer instructions so that it lasts for a long time.

  • Stainless Steel Reusable Straws

Ditch one-use plastic straws. Use stainless steel reusable straws instead. Many come with convenient pouches for on-the-go use. Be sure to keep hold of the special cleaning brush that usually comes with a stainless-steel straw set, so you can clean the inside.

  • Reusable Shopping Bags or Containers

Single-use plastic bags are a scourge on the environment, a rather preventable one at the end of the grocery store line. Americans use 365 plastic bags per person per year on average, according to National Geographic. And recycling of these limited-use items is so miniscule statistically it is not worth reporting. Better to invest in eco-friendly, strong reusable bags and keep them in your car, in your room and make a point to use them as much as possible instead of plastic.

  • Reusable Silicone or Glass Containers

Keep food fresh and safe with silicone or glass containers instead of plastic. They don’t leech harmful chemicals, and they are safe for your microwave and dishwasher typically.

  • Soap and Shampoo Bars

Bars of soap or shampoos in environmentally conscious packaging help eliminate waste and usually contain more healthy ingredients.

  • Wool Dryer Balls

Many of us enjoy the fresh scent and fluffiness that a dryer or fabric softening sheet gives our clothes. Yet, these sheets are another example of single-use items filled with chemicals and plastic. Wool dryer balls offer a similar experience, and adding some essential oils to them allows for a personalized and fresh feeling.

  • Reusable Dish Towels Instead of Paper

Paper towels are easy to waste, so don’t buy them and have a collection of reusable dish towels instead. It will save you money and help the planet.

  • Don’t Forget to Thrift

We love a good thrift shop. Give clothes a second chance at life instead of buying new and creating more waste. Learn more in our blog “Thrifting: Kinder to the Planet and Your Wallet.”

It might not be time to recycle it, so maybe upcycle it. Upcycling looks at an item that might be wasted and reuses the material in a clever new manner, giving it a new or revitalized function. Anyone can upcycle in their own unique ways. Think of something you would like to use or something that you would like to have. If you have an item that you would like to use, there are lots of ideas out there for what to do with your raw material. If you have something you would like to have, you can also look at DIY ideas for a specific item, such as a lamp. If you have the materials already, then get creating! If not, you can probably find these materials for cheap at a thrift store and give the materials a new life that way.

We hope this blog has given you new ideas for how to incorporate sustainable living into your everyday life. If you are interested in how to turn a passion for environmental issues into a viable career, please visit Life University’s B.A. in Environment and Sustainability page to learn more about our innovative program.

References and Resources