Hey earth muffins! Moving into college is an exciting milestone, but (without thought) it can create a lot of extra waste just like any other move. Never fear – there are plenty of conscious choices you can make that align with your values to reduce your environmental impact! In this blog post, we’ll explore how to move into college the eco-friendly way to reduce your impact from day one. Let’s jump right into it!
1. Use plastic free packing materials!
When packing your belongings, opt for eco-friendly packing materials. Use suitcases, bags, and boxes you already have to minimize waste. If you need extra padding for those breakable items, use clothing or towels instead of bubble wrap or Styrofoam. This is a great alternative because you have to pack those soft items anyway! For all the non-eco packing materials you end up using, make sure to repurpose them or recycle them on campus.
2. Declutter before you go
Before packing, go through your belongings and do an eco-friendly declutter! This reduces the amount of stuff you need to move, lessening your environmental footprint. Make sure to donate these items to thrift stores, shelters, or campus sustainability initiatives as well.
3. Pack as light as you can!
Only bring what you truly need to avoid overloading your vehicle. This not only saves energy on the move to school but also makes unpacking easier. Remember that college dorms and apartments are often compact… And you often accumulate more things throughout the year. So, a minimalist approach can be beneficial.
4. Think about your transportation for move-in
If you’re traveling a long distance, consider using greener transportation options such as trains or buses, which have a lower carbon footprint compared to flying or driving alone. If driving is your choice, carpooling with friends who are also moving in can significantly reduce emissions. Just make sure you can fit everything you need so that you only have to take one trip down to school.
5. Make sure to bring your reusables!
When deciding what to pack, emphasize all of your reusables. It isn’t a challenge to be eco-friendly at college, so set yourself up for success with items like reusable water bottles, etc. These low waste items should be the first things you pack and the rest of your items can be added on an “as needed” basis.
Moving into college presents an opportunity to make environmentally conscious choices that align with your values. It is definitely possible to have an eco-friendly move, so I challenge you to make these greener choices. Your efforts may also inspire others to make greener choices, creating a ripple effect that benefits both your college community and the planet. How do you reduce your impact when moving into college??
Love,
Jenna ♥
