10 Simple Ways To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint as a Student

If possible, leave your car at home and walk (or bike!) to your classes instead. Walking not only helps to reduce your carbon footprint: it is a great way to improve your health and explore your new home.

If your apartment or dorm room floor is cold, you're more likely to feel cold and turn up the heat. To avoid this, put a nice, warm rug on the floor — it'll insulate your living space and help to keep your feet warm.

Keep the cold at bay with a nice, warm (and eco-friendly) comforter! You'll be able to keep the thermostat lower — and you might just sleep better, too! Bonus: studies show that a cold room combined with a warm blanket lead to better sleep!

Did you know laptops use up to 90% less energy than desktop computers? If you've been using a desktop computer to write your papers and do research, consider making the switch. With a little research, you can find an inexpensive one that's more than adequate for your needs. 

Instead of buying plastic water bottles or plastic water jugs, buy one good thermos and refill it with water, tea, or your favorite soup from the dining hall. If possible, also bring reusable utensils in your bag so you won't have to use the disposable cutlery and straws provided at the dining hall. If you're ready for more, check out our tips on zero-waste living.

Dairy farms and cows are high-impact on the environment. Try reducing your meat and dairy intake a little bit at a time. And when you do consume dairy, make sure it's local and chemical-free. This simple switch is a major step towards having a sustainable diet— and you just might find that you feel better, too!

Do you really need that new bulletin board? How about that extra pair of sunglasses? When you're tempted to make a purchase, think carefully: will the item add to your life, or will it just take up more space? For more inspiration, check out our tips on sustainable living for ways to live a more sustainable life.

We get it, you want to stay on trend and within your budget. But fast fashion comes at a high cost for the planet, including significant waste, heavy pesticide use, and a high shipping footprint. A much better option is to buy from sustainable brands or hit your local thrift store for quality, gently-used pieces that will help you look good and make a statement!

Reducing your meat consumption is a simple and impactful way to reduce your carbon footprint. And what better place to do it than a college campus, where you have access to a variety of flavors from all around the world, every day? Try eating a few vegetarian meals a week to figure what you do and don't like.

Planting trees is a great way to connect with the environment and reduce your carbon footprint. You can do this by planting a tree locally, or by leaving the planting up to us!