Sustainability on a Shoestring: Six Ways Students Can Save the Planet (and Money!)

In this era, all students and young professionals try their best to save the environment for themselves and the future generations. If you are also a student who wants to contribute towards the environment, but don’t know where to start from, then you have landed on the right page. Did you know? Doing good towards the environment is not just beneficial for you in terms of climate, but it also helps you save a significant amount of money. Let’s see what you can do and how! 

Given below are six simple items that you should consider for sustainable student accommodation. 

Buy Energy-Efficient Appliances  

The first step to minimize environmental impact is to prioritize energy efficiency. Opt for appliances with a high Energy Star rating to ensure reduced electricity consumption. This includes items like air-fryers, fridges, microwaves, and even smaller appliances like toasters, kettles and an Eco-Hairdryer. Not only do these appliances use less energy, but they also help cut down your energy bills.  

Smart Power Strips 

Standby power is the energy that devices consume when they are not in use but remain plugged in, and it really can make up a significant chunk of your electricity bill. Smart power strips help tackle this by cutting off power to electronics when they’re not active. They’re ideal for your room’s charging stations, ensuring that you’re not wasting energy (and money!) on fully charged or turned-off devices.  

LED Lighting  

One thing that we require 24*7 is light. So, why not use lights that help in reducing energy usage? It is time to switch to LED bulbs, that require less than 75% energy as compared to the traditional incandescent bulbs. Moreover, they last 25 times longer! You know what that means? It means less replacements and less waste. The best part about LED bulbs is that they are available in a variety of colors and brightness levels, so you can relax in your comfort zone without causing any harm to the environment.  

Recycling Bins  

Long gone are those days when you could get away with throwing waste on roads. Now, most student accommodation comes with a waste management strategy that requires you to segregate the waste products. Students are now requested to make it easier for the environment, and separate plastics, metal, paper and other waste in the recycling bins provided by your accommodation. This way, you are promoting recycling and reducing the waste that ends up in landfills. 

Water-Conserving Fixtures  

Fancy shower heads seem cool, but saving water seems a lot cooler. It is time to switch to low-flow shower heads and tap aerators that help in reducing water usage. Don’t worry, the water pressure won’t be compromised, and you will be able to enjoy your bath the same way. Students who are looking forward to living in student accommodation can choose these inexpensive and eco-friendly fixtures, that are very simple to install. Lastly, you are not just saving water, but also the energy that is used in heating water.   

Timed washing cycles 

Making use of the timer on your washing machine can significantly reduce energy costs. By scheduling your washes during off-peak hours (typically late at night or early in the morning) you can benefit from lower energy tariffs (that’s if your bills aren’t included of course). Even if they aren’t, this is not only cost-effective but also eases the demand on the power grid during peak times. Did you know? Many new washers have eco-modes or energy-saving settings that help with water usage and cycle duration. 

Conclusion  

As a student, embracing sustainability is not complex or expensive. The above six simple steps can be used to save the environment, and make Earth a better place to live in. Adapt these eco-friendly steps in your daily life in student accommodation and save your money.  Remember, every small change contributes to a larger impact, so start where you can and make sustainability a part of your everyday routine. 

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Also Read:- World Environment Day 2024