1. Ditch bottled water
Stop buying plastic water bottles and use a pitcher with a filter instead. Americans throw away approximately 29 billion plastic water bottles a year, according to National Geographic.
Bottled water is not always cleaner than tap water, said Jennifer Morse, communications and outreach coordinator for the Office of Sustainability.
2. Leave the lights off
Opening your curtains and using the sun as much as possible conserves energy, according to the Sustainability Office’s website.
3. Eat at Plains to Plate
Plains to Plate features locally- and-responsibly raised meats and produce, Morse said.
4. Leave your car at home
Living on campus doesn’t require a lot of driving. Use Tiger Transit to get where you want to go.Better yet, ride a bike, Morse said.
“Taking a look at transportation is one of the most important things people can do,” Morse said. “There are so many alternatives to taking your own personal vehicle. It’s one of the best things you can do to make a positive impact.”
5. Brighten up with air-cleansing house plants
Not all chemical air fresheners are good for your health or the environment, according to Morse. Plants such as aloe vera, chrysanthemums, azaleas and weeping figs cleanse the air without emitting toxins.
6. Grow food at the community garden
The Auburn Real Food Challenge runs a community garden in collaboration with the College of Agriculture. Plots are rented out each year and are available to anyone who wants to garden.
7. DIY your dorm
Reusing old items instead of buying new decorations contributes to a sustainable lifestyle, according to the Sustainability website. Visit websites like Pinterest for inspiration.
8. Recycle
It might seem obvious, but recycling is one of the easiest and best ways students can live sustainably on campus. There are recycling bins near every residence hall and recycling bags are provided in dorm rooms.
9. Get involved
There are various sustainability-related clubs offered on campus, such as Auburn Real Food Challenge, Committee of 19 and Auburn for Water.
“Of all the things someone can do to make a difference, the most important one is to try to work in your community,” Morse said.
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