Hello to all the green minds and future leaders,
Marina here, your faithful companion on the journey towards a sustainable lifestyle. Today, I’m writing directly to our young eco-warriors preparing to start or return to university. Welcome to “The Green Student: Zero Waste Tips for University Life,” your guide to weaving sustainability into the vibrant tapestry of your uni days.
The brilliant American activist and scholar said:
I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.
Angela Davis
And isn’t that the spirit of youth and the essence of university life – an urge to change and to improve? So, let’s dive right in, shall we?
1. Bring Your Own… Everything!
Whether it’s a reusable water bottle, coffee cup, or shopping bag, having these items on hand will significantly reduce your waste. The trick is to make them as essential in your bag as your student ID. Remember, each reusable item you carry is a tiny rebellion against our throwaway culture.
2. Second-Hand Shopping:
Embrace the world of second-hand shopping. Not only does it save money (something every student can appreciate), it saves resources too. A vintage winter coat or preloved textbook carries a story from its past life, and you, my friend, are its next chapter.
3. Zero Waste Eating:
If you’ve access to a kitchen, great! Opt for loose produce and bulk buys when possible. If you’re reliant on the university canteen, don’t despair. Can you bring your own containers for takeaway? If not, focus on what you can do. Perhaps it’s choosing the fruit option over a packaged dessert?
4. Limit Paper Waste:
Do you really need to print those lecture slides? Could you make notes on your laptop instead of a paper notebook? Let’s make deforestation a thing of the past, one digital note at a time.
5. Eco-friendly Travel:
If your university is within walking or biking distance, lace up those trainers or hop on that bicycle! For those further afield, is public transport an option? Each step or pedal you take is a stand against unnecessary carbon emissions.
6. Go Digital:
Instead of buying physical books, can you get them digitally? Can you share resources with classmates to limit waste? Remember, there’s no “I” in “team”, but there is one in “environment”. Let’s remove that “I” and work together for a greener planet.
7. Start a Green Society:
Why not take your eco-passion to the next level and start a Green Society at your university? As the African proverb says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
University life is a fantastic voyage, full of excitement and new experiences. With these tips, it can also be a journey of green living, allowing you to be the change you wish to see in the world.
So, are you ready to walk the halls of your university as a beacon of sustainability, proving that age is no barrier when it comes to saving our planet?
Green wishes, Marina