Teachers often assign supplemental articles or readings to read outside of class.

The pages add up; it’s only two weeks into the semester and I’ve already had to print almost 300 sheets.

Or I would have, had I printed them out. However, I decided to download them to my Kindle instead. At $79, it’s inexpensive, and since I only print minimally I don’t feel the need to buy a printer.

I can carry all my class readings on a single device that fits in my purse. I can organize the readings in collections, which is much more organized than they would be if I was keeping the papers in binders. And I don’t feel like I have to throw them out halfway through the semester because they don’t take up space. It’s a win-win situation.

I use my Kindle because it makes me a better student. However, it’s also saving trees by almost completely eliminating my need to print. This semester, I am vowing to find more simple ways to be eco-friendly.

1.            Avoid using disposable items.

Honestly, I don’t even like plastic grocery bags. They’re flimsy, and always seem to break on my way back. And I never can find a good use for them after I’m done. So if I remember, I try to bring those canvas bags to the store with me.

They’re really easy to find, and usually cost under $1. You can find bags with cute patterns, and sometimes I even use them for carrying my books to class. It’s definitely a worthwhile investment.

Also, I try to avoid buying bottled water. I have a Brita in my apartment, and I try to use that to fill my water bottle. In the long run, that actually saves a lot of money. A Brita costs about $30, and a water bottle usually costs about $5.

Plastic water bottles, on the other hand, cost about $1 each. If you buy a bottle of water every day you would spend over $100 a semester, compared to the $35 you would spend by using a Brita.

2.            Minimize unnecessary water use.

I’m not saying that you should eat from dirty dishes. But there’s no reason that you can’t wear a pair of jeans or a sweatshirt twice. And as much as I love taking long showers, I try to cut them down to less than ten minutes.

But one of the easiest ways I like to save water is by going tray-less at The Commons. I go in there sometimes and just get a drink and sandwich; there’s no reason that I need to put that on a tray. I don’t know if going tray-less makes a huge impact on The Commons’ water use, but I like to think that every little bit helps.

3.            Minimize gasoline use.

This one was easy for me because I don’t have a car. But even if you do, try walking or biking every once in awhile. There are many places in Salisbury that are only a mile or two off campus, and there’s no reason that you need a car to go there if the weather is nice.

That said, it’s still a good idea to use a car if it’s extremely cold, raining or if you need to travel more than a few miles. But try not to drive if it isn’t necessary.

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