Guide to going green

As college students in the green generation, we have a hefty responsibility to set an example and take advantage of our sustainable CF campus. However, specifically young adults are creatures of habit. This makes it hard to switch up routines, such as tossing your coffee cup in the trash before class starts.

There are actually designated recycling bins, as elusive as they may seem, all around campus that would be a much better home for your Starbucks. So keep in mind all the locations of these areas so that next time you are rushing to make it to class you are also making the world a cleaner place! Although it might take time to adjust, there are a lot of new ways to stay efficient and eco-friendly as a student.

The first new trend in going green just happens to be a very important factor in everyone's life: fashion. Watch for tags on your favorite brands (or find new ones) that announce its contribution to the earth. Frequently, denim companies use recycled cloth to make new products. Another thing to keep in mind is thrift stores. When cleaning out your closet, donate your oldies for someone else to love. A lot of people tend to place a negative connotation on the word ‘thrift'. However, there are places like Plato's Closet here in Ocala that sells used, brand-name clothing.

YouTube is on every college students' history, so try taking advantage of a good resource. There are many users who post tutorials on how to recycle your old clothing into new ideas. A major thing among women is taking old t-shirts and using just a pair of scissors to turn it into a v-neck. You can also make purses, skirts and more with things you want to just throw away.

One more item on the watch-list for fashion is a website called Etsy.com. Etsy is a site where users make and sell one-of-a-kind crafts. You can find hand-made clothing, jewelry and other products that no one else will have.

At home, try simple things like buying a recycling bin. Students that live near the campus can take advantage of the recycling center near the Webber Center by dropping their trash off there. Shut off lights and power bricks for things like consoles if you are not using them. This will not only keep you green but will save you money when bills are due!

Try to limit shower time and running water for no reason (this also saves you money). When you are lathering up in the shower or shaving your legs shut off the water until you need to rinse.

If changing your own personal rules is a little too much, at least try and use the resources CF's sustainability program has provided. After all, the campus can create the program but it is up to the faculty and students to actually use it.

As mentioned before, find the recycling areas around campus to toss out trash. You can also save money and plastic by buying a reusable water bottle, which are very cheap at Walmart. Refill it instead of buying a new bottle to throw away—this will help keep a clean environment and keep a dollar in your pocket.

If you have time, try walking to your next class instead of wasting gas. It will give you exercise, save some money and save you the stress of dealing with those lines of cars trying to leave the same parking lot.

There are also some bathrooms around campus that are smaller and usually have two stalls (or no stalls). With these bathrooms, you can shut off the lights when leaving to save power and money. Some of them even have the CF sustainability sticker telling you to turn off the lights when you leave.

Students lead extremely busy lives. Trying to balance homework, classes and jobs is enough hassle and now the responsibility of sustainability is being added to the list. With tips like these, however, going green can become an easy and efficient method in any students' everyday life.

Share your own tips on leading a green life by commenting below!