Hello! It's seo from tbhstudying and I'm here to chat about some ways to be environmentally friendly as a student
Let's start off with paper versus digital for notes and things like that.
I know the usual tip that most people include in video specifically for students is to go digital in order to reduce paper.
I've actually been looking at scientific journals in studies done comparing paper and electronics and I found conflicting as well as biased information.
Yes, using paper does generate paper waste but paper waste is also one of the more
recyclable products compared to something like plastics of e-waste and a waste is actually posing a major health and waste issue, especially in countries
where e-waste is sent.
So I can't definitively tell you if digital or paper is better and I have to do some more research on that.
However, for people using paper, try to use your old homework assignments notes
you don't use anymore or leftover notebooks from class for scratch work. Maybe you have a math problem
you're trying to work out or you need a scribble down a quick note for yourself.
Try using that old paper before opening up a new package of paper or starting a new notebook.
For people who like using digital things,
try to maximize your use of your electronics rather than constantly upgrading your products for the next new one.
Some companies are also able to take back devices to be properly recycled and although I can't prove that
they're actually recycling it instead of exporting it.
I think it's better than just throwing it in your trash can and having it go to your local landfill.
And if you have access to a composting system, or if you're able to start up a compost bin for yourself
you can use a paper shredder a pair of scissors for your hands to shred a paper and compost it instead of recycling it.
I don't know about other people, but for me, my compost system can only handle shredded paper
so that's what I have to do in order to compost my paper.
And overall if you're trying to decide between digital or paper,
I would suggest picking the one that you feel most comfortable with and one that feels best suited for your own budget
because in the end I think both pretty much are even in terms of waste,
but again,
I do have to look up more articles and research about that before I make a definitive statement.
There are also simple changes you can make in your daily lifestyle like using a reusable water bottle instead of disposable water bottles,
using a reusable canvas bag or a tote bag instead of using a plastic grocery bag for shopping and
using reusable utensils instead of plastic disposable ones.
Also, if you're going to get a reusable straw, get the ones that are for bubble tea that have the wider diameter because they're easier to
clean and maintain than the super skinny ones.
Also as a college student, I don't have my own car
So I often end up either walking, using public transportation or carpooling with other people.
That's another way to help reduce fossil fuel usage.
And if you need textbooks or certain books for your class,
check your library for them or check online before buying new books.
You can also ask someone else who's taken the class before. Not only does that save you loads of money,
you also save paper and fossil fuel usage from the shipping and production of that book. In addition to that, you could try to reduce
your meat consumption. I'm not saying you have to go completely vegetarian or vegan. That's the lifestyle that choice that is up to you
but if we all try to eat less meat or have a few days of the week dedicated to meatless meals that helps because the
meat industry contributes to a lot of fossil fuel usage,
animal methane, affluent waste, and water and land consumption.
Also, I find that meat is more expensive in the stores and vegetables are and on a college budget.
It's cheaper for me to not eat meat if I have to make my own meals.
And also turn off the switch
if you're not using certain electric equipment or appliances. This also saves on your energy bill if you're not living in a dorm.
This applies to things like chargers, lamps, hair dryers, the lights, etc.
And for people who want to recycle their pens and highlighters and things. I know that TerraCycle offers a recycling program for stationary.
However, Terracycling involves shipping which then involves waste via transport and fossil fuel usage.
So check around your local office supply stores or schools to see if there is a pre-existing recycling program for those.
Buying refills for your favorite pens is also a cheaper a better option than buying completely new pens.
These are all small individual ways and tips that you can easily incorporate into your life that does make an impact
but it is important to recognize that the majority of the pollution and damage done to our environment is from large corporations.
In order to address that, you could help make a change by voting for politician in your local
provincial and national communities who will consider the environment in their policies.
I will also admit that I'm very lucky to attend the college with a zero waste initiative.
So I have access to compost and recycling bins and compostable and reusable utensils
but it still doesn't change the fact that I'm not perfect
We all produce and accrue waste and we may mess up at times and that's okay
But during those times it's important to move on and continue to make a positive change again rather than reverting back to a wasteful lifestyle.
Hope this helps and thanks for watching
Let me know if there are any other tips that you incorporate into your life to be more eco-friendly. I'd love to know.
Otherwise, I'll see you in the next video. Bye.