There are several effective methods that learners can use to become eco-friendly without having to make major lifestyle changes. Doing your best to eliminate your carbon footprint will affect your budget positively and help you save a lot of money in the long run. Most students have a lot of things to do at any one time. At the end of the day, you need to manage your time and money effectively.
However, you need to prioritize convenience. It can be quite difficult to be eco-friendly while studying. However, it is doable. Whether you are committed to transforming the environment for the sake of future generations or you want to explore the advantages of sustainability, this is the best time to go green. Here are eight tips that will help you achieve your goal.
Wash your clothes in cold water
Close to ninety percent of the energy used by a washing machine is used to heat water. Therefore, skipping the heating process and using your washing machine in cold setting will reduce carbon dioxide emissions and keep your clothes in good shape for a longer time. Hot water reduces fabric quality and makes your clothes look less vibrant.
Unless you want to eliminate stubborn stains like grease and oil, there is no point in running your washing machine in this setting. If the cold water setting isn’t helping at all, you should go for the warm setting. It’s not only good for you to energy-wise but also more efficient when it comes to cleaning.
Avoid single-use of plastic water bottles
Buying a bottle of water now and then can seem cheap and convenient. However, costs add up pretty quickly. You don’t need to invest in an expensive or fancy bottle. Any bottle that can be refilled will do the job. Form the habit of filling up your bottle every time you go into your apartment. Also, remember to keep the bottle close to avoid forgetting. As a student, you can also refill at water fountains at your school. If you decide to buy a plastic water bottle, remember to discard it in a recycle bin.
Reduce water consumption
Most students leave their taps running while washing their faces, brushing their teeth, or taking long and unnecessary showers. This greatly increases the water bill. While it’s tempting to spend hours in the shower, long sessions are not good for your environment or your wallet. Whenever you can, use less water.
Use homemade natural products to clean
Natural cleaning products are as effective as the ones you buy at your local store. The best part is they don’t contain harmful chemicals that harm the environment and your physical health. Natural cleaning products are not as expensive as processed and manufactured products. Some of the best natural cleaning products include lemon juice, baking soda, and vinegar.
Reuse and recycle
Your student flat likely contains lots of recycling bins or recycling facilities that are not too far away. Grasping what’s recyclable and what isn’t can be difficult especially if it’s your first time living alone. However, with some practice, you will know these things naturally. Reusing old boxes and containers can be a great way to save on accessories.
Avoid wasting food
If you are new to cooking, it can be quite difficult to know how much to prepare for a certain meal. However, with time, you’ll get used to everything. You need to avoid food wastage by cooking the right amount and saving leftovers for the next day instead of throwing them in the bin.
Plant herbs
If you’ve been wondering how you can make your space green, here’s a good answer – plant some herbs. Herbs don’t take a lot of space. Plus, you can put them in small pots inside your house next to your window. The best part is you’ll always have fresh herbs to use while preparing your favorite dishes.
Go for LED Bulbs
Investing in an energy-efficient light bulb will make a great difference in your apartment. You’ll not only save energy but also make your home friendlier to the environment. It can be tempting to use incandescent bulbs. However, LED bulbs are a better option. They are eco-friendly, long-lasting, and friendly to your wallet in the long run.
Bonus Tip: Invest in a recycling bin
If you have a recycling bin you’ll be conscious about the glass bottles, paper, jars, and other items that you should use to recycle. A compost bin helps you in getting rid of leftovers that you can use for your indoor plants. Nowadays, compost bins are designed to be tidy, neat, and odor-free. They will make your life easier since they’ll reduce household trash.
Conclusion
There are lots of positive things you can do for the environment as a student. Your decisions and actions will not only affect you but also the planet as a whole. Using these simple methods will transform your life for the better.
Author Bio:
Arthur Evans is a highly skilled freelance writer and proofreader from the UK who currently works at easy essay writing. Being interested in everyday development, he writes various blog posts and discovers new aspects of human existence every day.
