In today’s rapidly changing world, environmental awareness and sustainability have become major concerns especially around college campuses. As college students, we have an opportunity to lead the charge in adopting sustainable practices and fostering environmental consciousness. Many students do not realize that they could be the change simply by making smart decisions and some changes in their lifestyle and habits. In this interview I will be sharing various eco-friendly initiatives that a college student can embrace to make a positive impact on the planet and inspire change within their communities.
Embracing sustainable practices begins with simple yet impactful actions. Students can actively participate in waste reduction efforts by recycling, composting, and minimizing the use of single-use plastics. Additionally, advocating for energy-saving habits such as turning off lights, using energy-efficient appliances, and promoting renewable energy sources can significantly reduce carbon footprints on campus.
I decided it would be a good idea to interview an ordinary college student on campus and ask them a few questions about what they do in their everyday life to be friendly to the environment. I was curious to know if people my age are mindful about this or if it is not usually a thought in their minds.
Interview with a SUNY Cortland college student:
1) How do you limit waste in your daily activities on campus?
“I use a reusable water bottle that I make sure to fill up every time I swipe into the dining hall and in my dorm room. I make sure to avoid buying plastic water bottles as that is a bad habit and bad for the environment.”
2) What measures do you take to conserve energy in your living and study spaces?
“I make sure to practice small habits like making sure my light is turned off when I leave my room, not letting the water run for too long, and not taking too long of showers.”
3) How do you use digital tools to cut down on paper waste in your campus activities and everyday life?
“While taking extensive notes, I use my computer to type them instead of wasting several pieces of paper. We as a campus have shifted to mostly submitting notes and handouts on brightspace rather than wasting so much paper by printing hundreds of pieces per class.”
4) Are you involved in any campus organizations or activities focused on environmental sustainability?
“No, I am not involved in any organizations on campus, however I am actively looking into different organizations and am open to joining any club or organization SUNY Cortland has to offer.”
5) How do you encourage recycling and composting within your dorm or academic community?
“Every garbage should have a recycling bin next to it and every time I see one in a classroom I make sure to use it.”
6) Do you make use of reusable items like water bottles, coffee cups, or shopping bags in your daily routine?
“Yes, every time I do my weekly grocery shopping at our local Walmart, I never forget to bring my reusable shopping bag instead of using the paper ones. And again, I always make sure to use my reusable water bottle.”
7) Have you participated in campus-wide initiatives or events related to environmental conservation?
“I am not aware of any events on campus that are related to this, however I feel it is important we all do our part to educate each other about the importance of keeping our environment safe. We definitely should spread this awareness through more clubs and events”
8) How do you consider sustainability when making food choices on campus?
“I always bring my own reusable containers and utensils when I grab food to-go on campus, minimizing waste and promoting sustainability in my daily routine.”
9) How would you encourage a college student who doesn’t actively recycle or make efforts to reduce waste to adopt more environmentally friendly habits?
“I’d probably just chat with them and bring up how easy it is to recycle and how it adds up to help the planet. I might also suggest practical tips and resources to help them start recycling and reducing waste in a way that fits into their lifestyle and schedule. It’s all about making it seem doable and not so out of their reach.”
10) How do you stay informed about environmental issues, and do you share this knowledge with others on campus?
“I regularly attend campus sustainability workshops and share what I learn through social media platforms to raise awareness and encourage others to take action on environmental issues.”