In November 2018, the U.S. Global Change Research Program revealed that climate change is set to reduce agricultural output. It’ll also increase premature deaths, encourage disease, destroy coasts/forested areas, pollute the air, raise temperatures, and continue increasing wage disparities. This heightens the need for governments and other stakeholders like universities and international students to go green.
Having environmentally-friendly initiatives is a very important investment in the future of the earth and should be embraced by all. Some universities and colleges have therefore decided to take the bull by the horn by choosing sustainability. Let’s find out some tips to help international students go green on campus thus maintaining sustainability.
1. Ride a Bike
As ordinary, as it seems, this is key to encouraging sustainability in the environment. This is because it helps reduce carbon emissions and keeps the rider in better shape. Riding a bike is fun, relaxing and eco-friendly. It’s a good form of exercise and helps students get to campus and other places in good time and without stress.
2. Use reuseable Materials
Yet another very simple yet important step students can take to ensure sustainability. Large campuses can have over 20,000 students, imagine the amount the water, coffee and other drinks consumed weekly. If each one used a reusable water bottle or coffee mug, that could cut down the number of plastic bottles and mugs used almost four times. This is a very eco-friendly initiative.
3. Switch Off Lights
Often times, students are guilty of leaving lights on when they’re not being used. This leads to more energy consumption and more bills. International students can go green by switching light bulbs off when not in use. This promotes energy conservation and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
4. Recycle
This is arguably one of the biggest steps that can be taken towards ensuring sustainability on campus. It makes students think more in the direction of purchasing products that can be recycled after use. It also makes them careful to dispose of their trash carefully and properly. Some schools have recycling programs but if yours doesn’t, you can take the initiative to start it.
5. Conserve Water
Water is life, the more reason why students need to check their water usuage. It’s sad to note that sometimes, students waste a lot of water. A simple example is leaving the tap running when brushing your teeth or running the shower for a long time. Conserving water is important because a lot of energy is used to clean the water that is consumed on a daily basis. This is another eco-friendly initiative.
6. Walk
Especially for students living on or close to campus, walking is of great benefit. Walking to class, to the dorm, the cafeteria and different places within and around the campus is very good for your health. Walking helps students exercise easily, cut down on emissions as well as create cleaner air around them.