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1. Take notes electronically– Instead of using paper notebooks and planners, use your laptop to take notes and keep track of assignments and meetings.
2. Purchase reusable bags– Not only are these great for groceries, they can also be used to carry other classroom items and supplies.
3. Invest in one good water bottle – Stop buying and using plastic water bottles. Instead use a refillable bottle to refill throughout the day.
4. Recycle– One of the oldest tricks in the “sustainability book” is also one of the most effective. At WLU, all of your recyclables can go in our blue bins found across campus. If your room or building does not have a bin available, request one from the WLU Sustainability Council on social media.
5. Only use what you need– So much power goes to waste when we leave lights and devices on when they are not in use. Be sure to flip the switch when you leave the room & unplug your devices when they are finished charging.
6. Use real dishes and towels– Plastic or paper cutlery, plates, and towels are wasteful. Buy a set of silverware and plates to use whenever possible and opt for dishtowels that can be reused instead of paper.
7. Make the most out of your laundry– Wash your clothes only when you have a full load, switch to cold water wherever possible and hang items to dry instead of using the dryer.
8. Donate– Give old clothes you are not using to Goodwill, they will also accept furniture and other household items you don’t have use for after you move out at the end of the school year.
9. Buy green– Do your research on what products are green and good for the environment before you buy. Some products, such as laundry detergents and hair products, may have labels indicating they are made with environmentally safe, sustainable practices. Also be aware of what you are buying: aerosol sprays and products with microbeads, for example, are very bad for the environment.
10. Go digital– Opt out of receiving snail mail for bills and newsletters, opt in for email alerts instead.
11. Be an environmental bookworm– If possible; try not to buy new textbooks. Buy used, online versions (if available) or check the library to see if there is a copy you can use for reference.
12. Use less paper– If it is required for your classwork to be printed out, try reducing margins and spacing and always print double sided. It may also be a good idea to ask your professor if you can submit your papers online instead.
13. Buy local– See if there are any farmers’ markets or thrift stores in your area to use in place of malls and supermarkets. Not only does it help offset carbon footprint, you will also find more unique purchases.
14. Use less water– Turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth and cut down on shower time as much as possible to conserve water.
15. Get involved–Follow the WLU Sustainability Council on social media to see what practices are already in place on campus, new Green Initiatives we start, and see how you can help make an impact.