5 ways to live more sustainably as an Auburn student

As a college student, finding ways to be environmentally conscious without breaking the bank is difficult. However, there are some methods to living a sustainable lifestyle while saving money.

1. Recycle

Most people don't realize how much waste they produce that can be recycled into products. Recycling can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions through lessening energy consumption and waste, and therefore pollution. According to The Plainsman, Auburn leads the state in percentage of residents that participate in curbside recycling at 84.7%. However, city curbside recycling services typically don't go to apartments and townhomes, where most Auburn students live. Alternatively, you can take your recyclables to the city of Auburn's center, or at the university's drop-off location on West Thach Ave. behind the West Campus Parking Lot. The services accept paper, cardboard, plastics, batteries, glass and more.

2. Reduce water waste

As simple as it may sound, taking 2 minutes less in the shower or fixing your leaky faucet can shave tens of gallons off your water bill each month. Using less water every day helps aquatic ecosystems stay stable and thriving, and also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by requiring less energy to process and treat the water. Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth and taking baths instead of showers are more ways to reduce your water waste. As water is a finite and dwindling resource, water conservation is perhaps one of the most important sustainability practices. Additionally, the gallons you save will cut down what you spend on your water bill, which is significant as a college student.

3. Shop with reusable bags

An easy way to reduce waste is to use reusable bags when shopping. Reusable shopping bags help reduce the amount of plastic waste produced, most of which usually ends up in the ocean and other fragile ecosystems. Not using plastic bags can also save you money, according to Yale, as some stores charge you for bags. Five cents here and there can add up significantly, so reusable bags are more economical. In addition to being environmentally and economically friendly, reusable bags are more stylish and versatile than plastic.

4. Thrift instead of buying new

Instead of heading to your favorite fast-fashion website to get a new top to wear this weekend or getting 50 cent plates from Target, consider shopping at a thrift store instead. Thrifting is a cheap and sustainable alternative to most shopping options. Auburn has several thrift stores with expansive homeware and clothing sections including Thrifty Lizard, Harvest Thrift Store, and Goodwill. By purchasing used items instead of contributing to mass production practices, you can help lower carbon dioxide emissions, conserve water, and reduce energy consumption. Additionally, you can find plenty of unique and interesting items you otherwise wouldn't have seen when thrifting.

5. Utilize university transportation

Another simple way to reduce your impact on the environment is to commute via public/university transportation. Tiger Transit, the university's bus transportation system, stops at most of the largest off-campus student living neighborhoods and apartment complexes, allowing students to commute to campus without relying on a car. Additionally, students that live closer to campus may consider commuting via bike or electric scooter, which are available to ride on campus. Reducing the use of cars daily will contribute to lowering fossil fuel emissions, one of the greatest contributors to climate change today. According to the UN, taking public transportation instead of cars can reduce an individual's carbon footprint by up to 2.2 tons per year.

While it may seem daunting to pick up new habits, many are much easier than they seem and make a significant impact on your effect on the environment. By committing to practices like recycling, reducing water waste and other simple sustainable habits, you can save money and improve your quality of life while looking out for our planet.