Wellness Journalism: 8 Ways to Love the Environment While You're in College

With Spring comes Environmental Wellness month! Things are off to a busy start this quarter, to be sure, and you might not think you have enough time to save the world. The good news? It doesn't take much effort to make an impact for the better!!!

8 (Easy) Ways to Love the Environment While You’re in College

1. Utilize sunlight. Study near a window or outside altogether. Not only does it save electricity, it’s better for your brain!

2. Take the bus or shuttle. Parking permits are expensive, and by the time you’ve circled the parking lot for 30 minutes, it isn’t worth it anyway. Then there’s the cost of gas…

3. Get involved. Explore sustainability courses, participate in research, or join a student organization. Visit sustain.ucsd to check out some options!

4. Bring Your Own Bottle—and bowl, and fork. You can cut waste by avoiding single-use, disposable containers and cutlery at mealtimes.

5. Conserve water. Take shorter showers, and use water sparingly when brushing teeth or washing dishes. And mind the adage: “If it’s yellow, let it mellow. If it’s brown, flush it down.”

6. Save paper. Print on both sides, and use scrap paper for note-taking. Inspire your professors and classmates to do likewise.

7. Eat local, organic food. Take advantage of the Farmer’s Market, Food Coop, and Farm To You programs. Don’t be fooled by the perceived convenience of Burger King--there is fast, fresh, healthy food to be found on campus.

8. Buy natural products. Most store-brand shampoos and soaps contain chemicals known to cause skin irritation and other health problems. Read ingredient labels: if there is something in there you can’t pronounce, don’t buy it.