Are you aware of the impact you make on the environment? With climate change and other environmental issues, we should do every little bit we can to be green. If you think you have to make drastic changes in your life, think again. Here are some ways you can be a sustainable college student. 

Carpool

Cut down on gas and reduce using fossil fuel by carpooling. Try to take one car whether going to a class outing or going out with your friends. Especially if you have early morning clinicals, ride together to keep each other company. 

Use Reusable Bags 

One of the easiest ways to start living sustainably is by using reusable bags. When you go shopping use canvas or tote bags, so you don’t have to pay for a bag at checkout. Tote and canvas bags are inexpensive and stronger than plastic bags. Keep them in your car or near your door so you never forget them. Stop using plastic bags and start using reusable bags!

Have Reusable Utensils & Bottles

Live sustainably in the dorms by having reusable utensils, straws, cups, and bottles. There will be many times you’ll eat in your room, so it’s good to buy some. Some students even bring their own tupperware to the dining commons for take-out. Especially if you bring water, coffee, or tea to class, having a reusable bottle or tumbler will be useful. 

Don’t Waste Food

You’ve heard this growing up: don’t waste your food. When you cook, only make what you need. Don’t overcook unless you want more to last you throughout the week. When you go out to eat and don’t finish your food, pack up the rest to eat later. 

Save Water

Don’t let the faucet run while you brush your teeth or wash dishes, try not to take long showers, and don’t waste the water you drink. If you’ve already been saving water, you’ve already started being a sustainable college student. Especially living in California, you know the drought is unfortunately real. Please, save water whenever necessary. 

Save Electricity 

Just like saving water, saving electricity is easy to do too. During the day, open your blinds and use natural light instead of turning on the lights. For your lightbulbs, use LEDs instead since they use less electricity. When you leave the dorms for holidays or the weekend, turn off your extension cords. 

Have A Season-Round Wardrobe 

As much as you might love shopping, shop from your closet first. See what you like and can be worn multiple ways. If you do need new clothes, buy clothes that can be worn season round from ethical and sustainable brands. Having a season-round wardrobe will keep you from spending your money.

Borrow & Swap Clothes With Friends 

One of the nice things about living in the dorm is being able to borrow your friends’ clothes. If you need to borrow something for a presentation, interview, or something for one occasion, ask to borrow your friend’s clothes. Students not only borrow but swap clothes too. Before you donate your clothes, ask your friends if they’d want them instead. 

Shop At Thrift Stores 

Yes, buying new clothes is preferred by some and more in demand but check out thrift stores first. If you like to keep up with the current trends, you know they always change. Don’t spend a lot of money on something you don’t think you’ll wear in a year. Save your money and help the environment at the same time. Donate your clothes at thrift stores too!

Have A Bike? Bring It To School

Many of our students bring their bikes to get around campus and to go biking at the Back 40 or to the other trails in our area. If you have a bike, bring it with you!  

Recycle 

Recycling makes a big difference to our planet so recycle whatever can be recycled. Don’t be lazy and just throw them in the waste. If you tend to put non-recyclables in bottles or containers when you eat, they can’t be recycled. Make sure you put separate items into their right bins. 

At PUC, we make sure to be as sustainable as possible, and our Green Club shares tips on how to help our community. Encourage your friends and family to do their part too! These small changes in your life make a big difference to the environment.