A warmer planet is not a happy planet

Going green is in – sustainable living as a college student

JESSICA MILLS / CONTRIBUTOR / THE USD VISTA

From the unrelenting hurricanes hitting the U.S. coastline to wildfires spreading around the world, the effects of climate change are becoming more and more concerning. Our new reality consists of species dying off, drought, temperature increases, and a rise in hunger and poverty. 

As we shift our focus towards the hope of ending covid, it’s also important to acknowledge the necessity of taking action against climate change. Many sustainability movements were put on hold because of the increasing popularity of single use products during the pandemic. As restrictions continue to lift and we begin living our “new normal,” pay attention to your daily habits and ask yourself: “How can I do better?” 

According to un.org, we have “11 years left to prevent irreversible damage from climate change.” Ignoring choices surrounding sustainability is no longer a luxury we can afford. There’s no “Planet B” and no backup option if life is not survivable on Earth. The next 11 years will require vigilant change in daily habits, but as college students, we have the means to ensure a survivable future exists. 

Ditch the red solo cup!

I know, red solo cups are typically a given in party scenes, especially in college. They’re convenient for various games – they avoid the breaking of glass, and make it easy to refill your beverage of choice. But these cups are no friend to the environment. According to supcups.com, a supplier of reusable cups, “plastic cups take 450-1000 years to break down in landfill or the ocean.” So, one fun night out can affect our world up to 1000 years later. Scary!

Instead, opt for bringing a reusable cup for your party, game day, or whatever celebration you engage in with your drink. The USD Torero Store offers great options for reusable cups, many coming in sets so you can share with friends and family. Not only do you help cut down on litter, you also increase your school spirit. What an effective solution for yourself and Mother Nature!

Wear a reusable mask!

Whether you hate them or love them, let’s face it: masks are a part of our lives, especially on campus. The CDC recommends changing your mask daily, but that’s 365 masks to go through per year. After those masks are thrown away, they too end up in the overflowing landfills and water sources where animals mistake them for food. 

Save the surgical masks for the healthcare workers, who have the proper protocols to dispose of them safely. Switching to a reusable mask cuts down on the cost of rebuying the same product, as well as the added materials needed for transportation and packaging. Best of all, there’s no need to dispose of the masks after they’re worn; throw them in the wash and they’re good as new!

I can admit I’ve been a victim of buying things I truthfully did not need in the past. Now those items sit at the back of my closet, waiting to be worn. So, when it comes to any purchase, it’s important to ask yourself: “Will I actually wear this?” Because many reusable masks don’t offer the filter that surgical masks have, it’s critical to also do your research before making a purchase. The filters help filter out bacteria and potential viruses. So, when you’re browsing through the thousands of reusable mask options now offered, read the fine print to make sure the mask contains a filter. Remember, we’re trying to avoid any unneeded waste.

Turn off that engine!

It’s no secret that cars contribute to the majority of air pollution, which is why sitting in your car before class, letting your engine run is not a good idea. As someone who knows very little about cars, I do know this also adds unnecessary wear and tear to the engine, which then adds wear and tear to your wallet with extra trips to the mechanic and gas station. By shutting off the engine, you cut down on toxins released into the atmosphere and that are eventually inhaled in your lungs. Want to take it one step farther? Riding your bike to campus prevents adding any pollutants to the environment. 

I like listening to music in my car before class as much as the next person, but adding more toxins to the air is not worth it. 

Say bye to fast fashion!

Interested in decreasing your consumer footprint? Choosing to shop secondhand is a great way to be kind to the environment and your wallet. Along with decreasing consumption in unnecessary items, thrifting minimizes the materials used in the transportation and packaging process.

Facebook Marketplace, local thrift stores, and Etsy are among the numerous outlets that provide access to secondhand furniture and clothing. These options cut down on the textile waste and pollutants the fashion industry contributes to. Places like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist also offer the option to negotiate pricing, which is exciting for most college students. 

So, not only do you and your fabulously furnished home get to look great with unique finds, you get to help save the world too. As the leaders of the future, it is up to us to work together to ensure our planet exists for generations to come.