Limit the new items you purchase. If you can avoid it, try not to purchase anything new. Buy your books, your furniture and other items through second-hand stores, consignment shops, or online sites like FreeCycle, Craigslist and eBay. In addition to saving the environment, you will also save yourself some money.
Make more informed decisions about all products that you do buy. That means buying recycled products such as notebooks, printing paper, note cards and other paper products with a high post-consumer waste count. When you buy dorm-room supplies such as towels, linens and rugs, purchase organic cotton options which have no pesticides and are relatively better for the environment. Avoid any PVC products, which are known to emit carcinogens.
Watch your electricity usage. This may mean using the dormitory kitchen instead of microwaving every meal and purchasing an energy-efficient laptop instead of a desktop computer. If you need a mini-fridge, research energy-efficient models.
Get a water-filter system and a water bottle that is safe and BPA-free. Water bottles have been linked with several environmental problems including being hazardous to human health as reported by the “Examiner,” not to mention the fossil fuels that are used to get it to your campus. Using a water-filter system will eliminate these problems and using a reusable water bottle will prevent those water bottles from ending up in a landfill.
Walk to classes. Instead of hopping into your car and driving to class at the last minute, take an extra 15 minutes to walk to class. If you are far from your class's location, opt for a campus shuttle service or carpool with a classmate. This will help cut down on fossil fuel emissions, and if you decide to walk, it may help get you into better shape as a bonus.
Start or join an organization that monitors the environmental impact of your campus. MSNBC reports that many schools are making an effort to green their campuses by installing compact fluorescent lightbulbs and water-saving toilets and shower heads, for example. Some schools even earn Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certificates.