The right sustainability tips can make the world more plant-friendly, even when at university. Here are 7 tips for a more eco-friendly university experience ranging from the dining hall to your cleaning routine and self-care.

1. Take Reusable Containers to the Dining Hall

Taking your own reusable containers or reusable food wraps to the dining hall is a good idea. This allows you to save any leftovers you have after a meal, so you can take them to go and have them for later.

2. Bring Reusable Utensils

Other things to bring to the dining hall are reusable utensils and bamboo straws. This helps cut down on any unnecessary waste during meal and snack times. You can also carry your own refillable and reusable water bottle or coffee mug.

3. Compost Food Scraps

You can create a small compost bin at school where you can place your food scraps. Simply place a scrap bucket next to the garbage bins in the common room. You can collect bark or dead leaves as the brown layer in your compost.

4. Eco-Friendly Cleaning

When cleaning your dorm room, use eco-friendly products like compostable sponges and a toilet brush with Tampico bristles. These items are plastic free, sustainable, and biodegradable.

5. Reuse and Recycle

We already mentioned using reusable containers for leftovers. You can also use reusable produce bags to keep your vegetables fresh and to prolong the life of your food. Additionally, if you have items you no longer use, like old clothing or furniture, consider donating or repurposing these items rather than throwing them out.

6. Reduce Power Usage

When not using your lights or computer, combat power wastage by turning these things off. You can also replace the bulbs with energy-smart LED bulbs. They use almost 1/5 of the energy that a regular bulb uses and last much longer.

7. Buy Local

You can also buy local and organic whenever possible. The local farmers market is a great place for a university student to visit for fresh fruits and vegetables that come straight from the local farmers.