Image Courtesy of charterforcompassion.org
“One person can’t make a difference” is an utter cynical lie. Mother Earth needs us to care, so I have compiled a list of small things all 65,000 of us at RU can do to help the environment.
- Turn off your cellphone or switch to Airplane mode!
Obey your teacher for once and check your texts after class. You’ll save battery and won’t have to charge your phone as often. You’ll also be forced to pay closer attention (and probably get better grades).
- Lather up, water off.
When you’re showering and ready to soap up, turn off the water. This forces you to use only what you need. Leaving it on wastes gallons of water and washes off the soap you’re trying to apply.
*Also turn off the sink while brushing your teeth!
- Bring your own containers for takeout.
At takeout, we’re given Styrofoam containers and cups, plastic utensils in plastic packaging, and a plastic bag to carry everything in—mainly un-recycled materials. Ask for what you don’t have. If you own utensils, skip the plastic ones. Use a stainless steel or plastic bottle instead of the Styrofoam cups and use a Tupperware container to hold your food.
- Turn your computer off.
Some people never turn their computers off, but instead keep them on sleep mode overnight. Let it have an actual sleep so you don’t overwork its battery.
- Shampoo less.
Shampooing every day is an American thing, it’s very new, and it’s unhealthy, for us and the environment. According to hair stylists and dermatologists, daily shampooing damages the hair and scalp by constantly removing essential oils called sebum for healthy hair. If you shampoo daily, try shampooing every other day and minimize from there. Don’t believe me? Google it.
*Consider organic shampoos and beauty products which are easier on marine life.
- Unplug unused appliances and turn off the lights.
When you’re finished studying or happen to pass an empty room or lounge, turn off the lights. I like to unplug everything that isn’t being used, like the TV and all kitchen appliances (minus the fridge) when no one’s around.
- Ask your professors if you can email assignments rather than print them.
Printing costs money, paper, and time waiting in line. If your professor accepts electronic submissions, everyone saves.
- Go tray-less at Brower.
Yay for most dining halls removing their trays! Trays allow us to collect all the food we would LIKE to eat, but not the food we actually have room for, resulting in shocking amounts of food left wasted and uneaten. Carry plates instead and fill them to your stomach’s desire. If you’re still hungry, you can get the perfect amount of food without overloading. Tray-less dining minimizes water and soap usage and creates lighter labor loads for the dishwashers.
- Use a stainless steel water bottle.
In 2015, it’s strange to pay for water in a plastic bottle when it’s available for free. Most residence halls, student centers, and on campus buildings have water fountains. Buy a stainless steel and fill ‘em up! This will decrease overall plastic consumption and when people see you carrying one around, you’ll remind them to start using one themselves.
- Sweep, don’t vacuum.
It can’t make your room as spotless as a vacuum can, but it’s not like you’re cleaning an entire house (unless you are). Sweeping can also be quite relaxing; it’s quieter and saves electricity.
- Know where your food comes from.
Ask dining hall staff where the food comes from and if they support local farmers. If you care about food miles and food sources, let the people in charge know. They care about your input and if you initiate that discussion, it can lead to a change in the food system. Many local farmers would love to sell produce to schools, but oftentimes get rejected in favor of contracted or corporate vendors that provide the majority of food for colleges everywhere.
- Try vegan or vegetarian options.
Drink almond, soy, or rice milk and see which you like best. On chicken takeout nights, the vegan nuggets are my favorite. They are made of soy and taste slightly different, but are actually delicious.
- Ride your bike.
Fitness and environmentalism are more chic than ever, and the latter more urgent. Bring your bike to school (or rent one) and accomplish both, releasing sweat and endorphins while reducing carbon pollution.
Nikko Espina