Choosing Sustainability
When you think about living sustainably, it can feel overwhelming, especially as a college student. You hear people say that using a reusable water bottle or skipping plastic containers doesn’t really matter because large corporations are the main contributors to environmental damage. And while there’s truth to that, it doesn’t mean your choices are pointless. In reality, choosing to live more sustainably in your everyday life still makes a difference. It’s about doing your part, and that’s what matters most.
I’m currently taking a class called ‘Sustainability Stories’ that focuses on how sustainability is shown through films. We’ve touched on a number of topics in this class that really broadened my perspective of what sustainability means and how feasible it can be. We explored ideas of overconsumption through movies like WALL-E and extreme forms of sustainability through films like “Children of Men,” where a family lives off the grid. Analyzing these films really made me think about how I should be sustainable in my own life. It made me reconsider what sustainable changes I could make in my life and encourage others to make as well.
That said, sustainability can feel especially challenging when you’re living on campus. Dorm life doesn’t always give you full control over things like food, energy use, or waste. But even within those limits, there are still simple, realistic ways to be more mindful of your impact.
One easy place to start is by limiting your plastic consumption. It might seem small, but think about how much water you drink every day. Now imagine using a disposable plastic bottle every single time, and multiply that by an entire year. That’s hundreds of bottles from just one person. Choosing a reusable water bottle may feel insignificant at the moment, but over time, it reduces a huge amount of waste. Small habits like this add up more than you think.
Another important piece of sustainability is learning not to overconsume. Our generation is constantly exposed to new trends through social media, whether it’s clothes, beauty products, or random “must-haves.” It’s easy to feel like you always need the next new thing. But before buying something, it’s worth asking yourself, “Do I actually need this, or do I just want it?” Using what you already have not only saves you money, but it also reduces waste and the demand for fast production. Consuming less is one of the most impactful things you can do.
Transportation is another area where small choices matter. Our college campus is a lot more walkable than we realize. I encourage you to consider, instead of immediately driving to nearby places like a coffee shop or Wawa, walking or biking when you can. It’s not always possible, but even choosing to walk on a nice day makes a difference. Plus, it’s a great way to stay active and clear your mind.
If you’re heading into a nearby city, public transportation is another sustainable option. It can feel confusing at first, but it’s one of the most effective ways to reduce emissions while still getting where you need to go. Once you get used to it, it becomes a convenient and environmentally friendly habit.
At the end of the day, sustainability isn’t about being perfect. It’s easy to feel like you’re not doing enough, but that mindset can be discouraging. Instead, focus on what you can do. Every small, consistent choice adds up over time. Living sustainably in college isn’t about changing your entire life overnight; it’s about building habits that make a difference, one step at a time.
