Sustainability means harvesting or using a resource so that resource is not depleted or permanently damaged. It may seem like a challenge to do your part as a student. Likely you are already doing more than you realize to sustain the resources around you, but here are some quick tips, product recommendations and resources that you should consider in order to further support the cause.
1) Reuse & Recycle: Make a commitment to never settle for putting something paper, plastic, aluminum or glass in the trash.These items can be recycled or reused. Austin offers single steam recycling so it is easier than ever to recycle almost anything from various plastic containers, glass to cardboard. Be clever and reuse what you can. Glass bottles make excellent flower vases to add some spring color to your dorm room or apartment, or they make an excellent receptacle for unwanted change. You can find all sorts of great ideas on Pinterest or other sites. Just Google ideas.
2) Reusable Bags: Starting March 1st, plastic bags are no longer given out in Austin when you make a purchase at the store. Invest in some reusable bags and do your part. ChicoBag makes reusable totes and fold into themselves for easy transport when they are not in use. You can get a 4-pack for $20 on Amazon and they come in a variety of colors. Get one free during Earth Week 2013!
3) Walk, Ride Your Bike or Take Public Transportation: Austin is an easy city to find a green ride. Visit CapMetro.org for bus and rail schedules or you can visit ridethecity.com/Austin and map out a route that includes bike lanes. Don’t forget about Car2Go offering you the ability to rent a smart car to cruise around town. Car2Go memberships will be given away at Earth Week 2013!
4) Shop Local Farmers Markets: There are a variety of farmers’ markets around the city depending on where you live. This is an excellent way to support local farmers and organic farming. Here are just a few to choose from –
- SFC Farmer’s Market at 400 Guadalupe or 3200 Jones Road (Sunset Valley)
- Barton Creek Farmers Market at Barton Creek Mall
5) Shop Responsibly: Support brands that support sustainability like Whole Foods, TOMS, and others that interest you. The companies that support sustainability have the information on their website; just look for it.
6) Go Paperless: This is not a difficult thing these days, given the popularity of tablets and accessibility of computers. If you do not have to print something, don’t. The electronic version of textbooks are often cheaper. They are now available at the bookstore or on Amazon or iBooks. If you prefer a paper book or do not have access to the electronic version, consider buying used at the bookstore of on sites like Amazon or Chegg. Used books are always more affordable.
7) Reusable Water Bottles & Coffee Cups: Say no to plastic & paper bottles and cups for coffee & water. Nalgene and Klean Kanteen are popular alternatives. Copco is a great brand for a reusable travel coffee mug and if you are hanging out at the coffee shop, most offer a porcelain mug or would be happy to fill you mug if you are on the go.
Blog authored by Jessica Sacheck MBA ’13