If you don’t know already, our environment and Earth are in need of help. We are constantly seeing headlines relating to climate change, pollution and ecological loss. Many leaders and researchers have called for a change, but we are often left without knowing what to do. As a college student, it can be difficult to be “green,” but we’re here to tell you that there are simple things that you can do to help Mother Nature out.
1. Reusable Bags
Reusable bags are something simple to come by. They are given out at events and they can also be purchased for little cash. The use of reusable bags limits your contribution to plastic bag pollution and helps protect many marine animals.
Did you know that plastic bag pollution is one of the main wastes introduced into the ocean environment? According to National Geographic, between 500 billion to a trillion plastic bags are produced each year, and about one to three percent of those find themselves contributing to litter pollution. In addition to reusable bags, there are recycling options for plastic bags found at local grocery stores and plastic bags can also be used for different purposes as well (ex. Dog poo pick up, or trash bag liners).
2. Reusable Water Bottles
According to the “Ban the Bottle” campaign, the average American uses 167 plastic water bottles per year and an average of only 38 bottles are recycled. That is a pretty sad statistic. Reusable water bottles help us decrease our plastic waste. Here at the University of West Florida we are encouraged to carry reusable water bottles. Water bottle refill stations are located across campus in convenient locations (The Commons, Building 4, the HLS facility, etc.) to make the use of reusable water bottles an attainable habit. If you must use a plastic disposable bottle, make sure to dispose of it responsibly in a recycling bin.
3. Recycling
Recycling is simple and easy thing to do, yet most students at UWF don’t recycling. Based upon the Recycle Mania (a recycling competition UWF competes in) statistics, the university ranks with only a 12 percent recycling capacity. Come on Argos! Recycling is simple and easy. If you’re unsure of what you can recycle or where you can recycle on campus, visit the facilities website for more information:
4. Commute Smartly
Are you close enough to campus to bike or walk? These options can decrease petroleum use and carbon dioxide introduced into the atmosphere. Do you live on campus? Instead of driving from class to class try walking, biking or riding the campus trolley. The campus trolley is a convenient and free service offered to UWF students. There is also a trolley that will go off campus so that you can do your grocery shopping or get a much-needed cup of coffee. For more information about the trolley visit: here
5. Take a pass on the straw
Disposable straws have been made a commonality among people today. But do you truly need to use a straw? According the Plastic Pollution Coalition, 500,000,000 plastic straws are used in the United States each day. Instead of using a disposable plastic straw, use a reusable straw or get rid of straws all together.
6. Conserve electricity
Conserving energy can be one of the simplest habits that you can acquire. Turn off the lights when you leave the room or your house, there’s no need to light a room with no one in it.
7. Second-hand shopping
This tip is a win-win. Not only do you save money second hand shopping, but you are also decreasing the need for natural resources. By reusing clothing, furniture and other such items, you’re decreasing additional waste introduced to the landfill.
Overall, we as a generation have the responsibility of keeping nature and this earth healthy. I encourage you to do your part by following some or all of the tips above. Together we can ensure that Earth is sustainable for future generations to come.