How can I be sustainable living on campus?
Illustration by Emily Belson
Stef Anderson, Contributing Writer
As a freshman and lover of the environment, living on campus for the first time has been a unique experience. As many of us are settling in, a question came to mind for me: How can I be sustainable when living in a dorm in the middle of a large city?
Although the question seems simple at first glance, our options are actually quite limited. From difficulties on where to recycle, to the overfilled trash rooms and the hectic nature of the city — the idea of being environmentally friendly can seem difficult.
Not to worry. Here are a few simple ways you can help the environment that are available to you on campus.
Reduce
We’ve had the three R’s thrown at us over the years, but how do we actually apply these principles? To reduce, we can limit the amount of plastic, styrofoam and toxic products we use. For example, while going shopping for groceries or dorm essentials, opt for a reusable bag to carry your stuff.
Reuse
See those plastic forks or knives we collect? Wash them and use them for longer periods of time. We can reuse the cardboard from boxes to make DIY cork boards for our class time, due dates and reminders. An empty jar? Use it to store toiletries or small items or coffee grinds. If you like omelets and plants, keep those eggshells. They are nutritious for the soil.
Instead of using styrofoam for cups or for hot drinks, use reusable cups like tumblers or coffee mugs. Opt for rechargeable batteries that last longer and are less likely to be thrown out than toxic.
Recycle
There are multiple locations around VCU where you are able to recycle. Monroe Park, Cabell Library and Johnson Hall have recycling bins nearby.
At the end of the week, put all the bottles you’ve accumulated into a reusable bag and take them to the recycling bins. In the trash, they end up in the landfill, taking eons to decompose.
Habits to consider
Using cold water for showers can help save water. Think about it — while you wait for the hot water to warm up, the excess gets wasted. Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth or during the times you scrub the dishes. Reuse old water bottles to water plants nearby or in your dorm.
Electricity and how it’s made can directly affect carbon emissions. Turn off the lights when you leave the room. Allow the sun to shine through your room during the day.
Unplug any devices you’re not using. Make sure to turn off your PC when you leave to go do other activities. Make sure your gaming consoles are not left on all night while not being used.
Put old things to new us
Are there any things that may not be categorical in recycling terms? Definitely. Use old newspapers to wrap ceramics when moving from place to place. Have a towel that looks old and ragged? Use it to clean. Any old textbook papers? You can turn it into recycled paper through tutorials online. Instead of wooden pencils, opt for mechanical pencils. Use your computer instead of paper. Any old clothes that you don’t want? Donate or upcycle them.
Beyond this article, I encourage you to find new ways to reuse old items or how to dispose of them properly. Although these activities may seem miniscule, we are working towards a larger movement to help the environment.
As more people become informed about sustainability and choose to act, the cleaner our environment will become. A few simple actions can do more than a few simple words. Get out there, make the world a better place.
