As of May 7th, 2022, I will officially be a college graduate! I am pursuing a degree in Public Relations with a minor in Social Media. It still feels unbelievable, but as I'm writing this, I have exactly 33 days left on my countdown.
Before college, I never considered my environmental impact. Fast fashion was my go to, and I never thought using a single environmentally conscious product would make much of a difference. I'm glad my perspective has changed, though. Change begins with me. Change begins with you.
To be honest, my college career has been plagued with confusion. I've switched majors a number of times, but I can truthfully say I am content with what became my final decision. I've learned to embrace my strengths, and confront my weaknesses. Needless to say, I'm going to miss being in college.
I look forward to exploring more personal interests outside the college environment, and strengthening my sense of independence. But, with great power comes great responsibility---the responsibility to make eco-conscious decisions.
So, to commemorate this achievement, I've chosen to share some eco-friendly tips I'll be using to transition from dorm housing to apartment living.
Use Reusable K--Cups
I don't know about you, but I drink A LOT of coffee. Naturally, you could just buy a box of K-cups, but you could use reusable K-cups to reduce plastic waste, instead. That said, they're a great & practical way to reduce your carbon footprint. They also give you the flexibility to use your own grounds like you would in a standard drip machine. Here's a link to add these sustainable K-cups to your shopping list.
Add plants to your space
Aside from improving overall air quality, studies have shown that house plants improve concentration and productivity, reduce stress levels, and help boost your mood. Adding house plants to your apartment is an easy way to decorate your space too! Also, if you're anything like me and don't have much of a green thumb, you can invest in plants that don't require much care, like succulents and cacti. Before getting a house plant, be sure to research what plants are best suited for each room and what kind of environment.
Go thrifting
Thrifting is such a cool way to elevate your space. By thrifting furniture instead of buying new, you reduce the demand for new furniture and the amount of furniture that ends up in landfills. Instead of investing in cheap furniture, and decorations from places like Target, try thrifting. I've found several vintage, quality pieces while thrifting! You can also upcycle old furniture, and design it to your own taste. Check out this blog for more information on how to thrift for home décor.
Shop with reusable bags
Do you ever go shopping and get frustrated by how many plastics bags you end up with? You can solve this problem by using reusable shopping bags. You can also find bags made out of recycled products, like this cute tote. When a recycled bag is made from materials like jute, cotton, or bamboo, the environment reaps the benefits.
Implementing eco-friendly habits into our life isn't as difficult as it may seem, and it surely doesn't take place overnight. Remember, what really matters is the intent. I'd love to hear how you plan to keep your home, or apartment eco-friendly! Let me know in the comments below.
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