The inconvenient truth is that we’re facing a worldwide environmental crisis. I really didn’t want to bring Al Gore into this, but over a decade ago he truly called the world to action. There’s constant talk about agreements and legislation, but very little of it actually makes it off the drawing board and into action. Recently, the Obama administration has actually taken some important steps to start actually fighting for the environment, including officially joining the Paris Agreement and temporarily halting the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. These are important motions, but they are only the beginning to a long battle ahead. Working towards a sustainable world feels like a daunting job, but it can be scaled down into easy steps you can take everyday to make the world a little greener for everyone.
Ditch the coffee-to-go
Guilty as charged. It’s super convenient to just roll through Libe for your morning dose, and toss your venti cup a few minutes later, but it’s also very wasteful. Sometimes you just can’t resist, but it can make all the difference to invest in a travel mug to fill up with instead. Try to get a leakproof one so when you’re finished you can just toss it in your bag without a hassle. Even better, if you make your morning coffee before you head out for the day, you’ll save both money and time.
Eat your veggies
The meat industry produces a ton of greenhouse gases through just the raising of livestock, let alone the production and transportation of the meat. Most industrial farm systems aren’t designed to benefit the environment, and are actually a part of a vicious cycle that depletes resources. Eating less meat just one day a week can have a positive impact on the environment while a veggie-heavy diet will also benefit your health. It’s not necessary to cut meat altogether, but do check the labels and, when possible, eat locally to benefit sustainable small farms.
Opt for online books
It’s hard to find a student not glued to their laptop, and even harder to find one lugging a textbook for every class around. Instead of spending your savings on a thousand pages you may not ever read, get e-books! It’ll save paper and won’t break the bank (or your back).
Start thrifting
It’ll save your bank account and will probably make you look a lot cooler. Thrifting is a great way to channel your inner reuse mantra while fighting against the mass production of the clothing industry. The average American throws away 68 pounds of clothing per year that go directly into landfills instead of back into the system. Become a conscious consumer and look good while doing it.
Take shorter showers
We all know how important it is to conserve water, yet somehow we just can’t resist those extra minutes of warm relaxation. Extending your shower definitely makes you late for your 9am, and can use up over 5 gallons. Water is a limited resource– use it wisely, shower with friends.
Do less laundry
You may have your weekly laundry schedule down, but try to switch it up if you can. If you can’t get a full load in or absolutely have to wash your favorite jeans, grab a friend and do a load together. It seems obvious, but it’s easy to get so wrapped up in our habits that we don’t notice their effects.
Get involved
If you’re feeling like the reduce-reuse-recycle mentality isn’t enough for you, branch out and take action! There are tons of smaller sustainability groups that aim to benefit the local community as well as larger ones that advocate and work for environmental justice worldwide, from accessing clean water to blocking the construction of oil pipelines to fighting for laws to reduce carbon emissions. There are so many ways to get involved, find one you’re passionate about and get to it!
