When it comes to saving world, it's not always the easiest task. Take 2 minute showers? I don't think so. Walk or hop on a bus to get everywhere? Sorry, not going to happen. Live a purely digital life, and never print anything off (but make sure you use rechargeable batteries/ don't charge your electronic devices too often/ turn them off at the wall at night)? Pretty unrealistic, don't you think?
So why do we have no problem in recycling? Because it's so easy. You grab your paper, chuck it in the recycling bin, and it's just as easy as throwing it in the rubbish. Why can we turn off a light switch before we leave the room, but not unplug every single electrical appliance before leaving the house? Because turning off a light switch literally takes two seconds, whereas unplugging our television leaves us crawling around on our hands and knees, trying to find where exactly that cable ends (and discover a small population of dust bunnies).
So here are a couple of tips to be more planet friendly as a student. They're so easy, I promise you won't even notice you're doing anything different.
1. Get organised
I find it so much easier to print off my lecture notes and study them before exams instead of reading on a computer (something about the looking straight ahead and having Facebook at the tips of my fingers creates a few problems). However, last year I found myself losing lecture notes and slides after I'd printed them and then having to reprint them (sometimes more than once). The solution? Put a few holes in them, and file them away. You won't have to waste paper printing them and you'll be more organised overall.
2. Efficient printing
Like I said, I like printing my notes off and having them on hand - I do find it much easier. However, my uni notes don't need to be printed on the best quality paper (recycled paper does the job just fine). If you print double sided, you reduce the number of pages you use - the same goes for reducing your margins. As for the quality of the actual printing, do you really need the best quality ink for your Political Science tutorial notes? No, I didn't think so. Print using greyscale, or turn down the percentage quality of ink used in your printer settings. This will reduce the number of printer cartridges that end up in landfill, and save whoever buys your printer supplies an absolute fortune. Did you know that printer ink is the most expensive liquid in the world? Scary stuff...
3. Public transport
Now, I know I said earlier you didn't have to take public transport everywhere…key word: everywhere. I'm just as attached to taking the easy option of driving as the next girl, but you have to admit: taking public transport saves you a heck of a lot of money, both in petrol, and parking fees. And if your parking is anything like the parking at my uni, it will also save you getting to uni before 8 am every morning to secure a coveted student parking permit spot. Taking public transport when you can saves you money that you can spend on better things (like a new pair of boots) and, instead of being stressed in early morning traffic, you can lie back, listen to music…and do those tutorial readings. Sounds like a win to me.
What are your easy tips for saving the planet?
Picture source: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/234539093064329848/
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