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By Calyn Pettit —
The Sputnik
(Wilfrid Laurier University)

BRANTFORD, Ont. (CUP)

— Kermit the Frog’s famous
mantra — It isn’t easy being
green — is proving true for
university students trying to make
environmentally-conscientious
decisions on a limited budget.

We'd all like to do our part to
help conserve the environment,
but trimming your ecological
footprint often puts a strain on
your wallet.

Have you ever noticed the
difference in cost between organic
and non-organic produce at your
local supermarket? Those organic
apples don’t have pesticides,
additives and wax, but can cost up
to one dollar more per pound than
non-organic. And the reusable
shopping bags that you’ll purchase
to carry your organic apples home
will cost you around one dollar
per bag, as opposed to buying 20
plastic bags for the same price.

If saving the environment
means dishing out more green
— pun intended — why have
so many people joined the
environmental movement? I’m
sure we can all agree that a
healthier, more sustainable planet
is worth any investment, large or
small.

Fortunately, there are many
simple and affordable ways that
students with small budgets
can make big changes in their
daily lives. Here are some of my
favourite tips and tricks for being
green and saving green while
you’re away at school:

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Support local farmers: Skip the
supermarket and head to your
local farmers’ market to indulge in
fresh, seasonal foods grown and
made in your area. Not only will
you support local growers and
businesses, but you’ll likely save
a few bucks, too. As an added
bonus, local produce is often
organically grown.

Shabby-chic is in: Part of the

fun of going away to university

is jazzing up your dorm room.
Rather than buying all-new
furnishings and decor, check

out thrift shops or raid your
grandparents’ attic for used
treasures that will add character
to your new space, at a fraction of
the cost.

SOUT A! ona

It ain’t easy being green, but it’s worth it
Sustainability tips for students on a budget

 

Reusing and recycling old
items significantly reduces the
environmental side effects of
manufacturing new ones. Check
out the thrift shops around town
or check out classified sites like
ads in your area. There is no sign-
up required and it’s 100 per cent
free to search or post ads.

Do it because you can: If you’re
living in residence or off-campus
housing, it’s likely that energy
costs are included in your monthly
rent payments. When we’re not
the ones paying the bills for

heat, hydro and water, we’ re less
conscious of how we use these
resources.

Make an effort to cut back on

energy consumption whenever
you can. Simple actions like using
energy-efficient bulbs, using your
computer’s energy savings feature
or turning off the taps while you
brush your teeth can effectively
reduce the amount of energy you
use at no cost to you.

Overall, the most important
thing you can do to be green on
a tight budget is to share your
green attitude with your friends.
Encourage your roommates
to recycle, share or swap
textbooks with classmates and,
mostly importantly, encourage
your school’s leaders to adopt
environmentally friendly methods
as well.

 

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