In: Biology
Ans. -
. Use Reusable Bags
Plastic grocery-type bags that get thrown out end up in landfills
or in other parts of the environment. These can suffocate animals
who get stuck in them or may mistake them for food. Also, it takes
a while for the bags to decompose.
Whether you are shopping for food, clothes or books, use a reusable
bag. This cuts down on litter and prevents animals from getting a
hold of them. There are even some stores (such as Target) that
offer discounts for using reusable bags!
These bags are useful for things other than shopping as well. I
have heard of people using reusable bags when they move!
If you forget your bags at home, buy a new one. Better yet, keep a
couple bags in your car so you never leave home without them (just
make sure you remember you put them there)!
If you are in a position where you need to use the plastic bags,
reuse them the next time you go shopping, or use them for something
else. Just do not be so quick to throw them out!
There are some states that are outlawing or charging extra for
using plastic bags. Using reusable bags helps the environment AND
your budget!
. Print as Little as Necessary
We have all had that teacher that wanted us to have a copy of every
single reading when we come to class, or that professor who wanted
a hard copy of the ten-page paper that is due next week. These are
fine but it seems as if they do not understand that using so much
paper is detrimental to the environment.
What can you do? Ask your teacher if you can bring a laptop or an
e-reader to class so that you can download the reading onto that
and read it from there. If not, print on both sides of the page to
reduce the amount of paper used.
If you need to turn in a long paper, ask the professor if it is
okay to print on both sides of the page and explain why you’re
asking. Most teachers care about the environment as well and would
be willing to allow you to do so.
. Recycle
Recycling is such a simple thing to do, but so many people don’t do
it. Many garbage disposal companies offer recycling services, so
check with the company you use to see if they can help you get
started! It is as simple as getting a bin and putting it out with
your trash cans for free!
Also, check with your RA to see if recycling options are offered in
your dorm.
Another way to recycle is to look for recycling cans near
trashcans. Instead of throwing recyclables in the trash with your
non-recyclables, make a point to take an extra step to locate
recycling cans around your campus.
. Use a Reusable Beverage Containers
Instead of buying individually-packaged drinks, consider buying a
bulk container of the beverage you want and buying a reusable water
bottle. Not only will this help the environment, but it will also
help you save money since you are buying a bulk container.
Many campuses offer water fountains designed for drinking as well
as for refilling reusable water bottles. Make use of these
fountains throughout the day when you finish off the initial
beverage.
Along these lines, many restaurants offer reusable containers for
drinks. If you go to a certain place a lot, consider buying one of
these containers to help minimize waste.
A lot of coffee shops even offer a discount to customers who use a
reusable container for their drinks. Starbucks, as an example,
offers a small discount for customers who do this. Saving the
environment and money? Win-win.
. Don’t Throw Your Notes Away
At the end of the semester, students are often stuck with notes
they don’t need anymore, especially from GenEd classes that had
little, if anything, to do with their major.
The good news is that teachers that teach GenEd classes have to
keep their material consistent with guidelines from the
college/university. This means that students next semester will be
learning basically the same material you learned from a
class.
If you took great notes, ask your teacher to connect you with
students in a future class so that you can give them your notes.
These notes will help students by being able to read what they are
learning in the words of another student. It is beneficial to read
things that are worded differently than what the teacher said. You
may need to find a student on your own, depending on the teacher’s
load for the semester.
It will feel great to help others taking the same class! You can
list your notes on online college boards. While some may be willing
to buy the notes at a price, it will feel just as good giving them
your notes for free since you are helping them out!
Also, other student organizations may appreciate notes. At the
community college I attended, the Veteran’s Club had a separate
building for resources. They had an area for textbooks used by
students, and they could check the books out for a semester, and
many people would bundle notes in with the books. Ask around to see
if any organization has something like this.
If you can’t find anyone to give the notes to, at the very least,
recycle the paper you used.
. Save Electricity!
Use energy-efficient light bulbs instead of regular bulbs. They
last longer, which will save you a bit of money (every little bit
helps on a college budget, right?).
Make you turn off lights, the TV, and other appliances when you are
not using them.
Lower your air conditioning or heat when it’s not necessary. This
is especially true for between seasons. Open your windows in the
early fall or layering your clothes in the early fall.
. Save Water
Water is wasted more frequently than we can see. Turn off the
faucet as you are brushing your teeth. Don’t turn your shower on
until you’re ready to get in and wash your hair. Limit your water
usage as you wash dishes. Changing old habits will be good for both
the environment and your wallet!
8. Avoid Taking Cars or Carpool When Possible.