In a world where climate change is larger than ever, people always think that change can only be made in overarching, grand gestures. While it is true that these large-scale actions are crucial, the important change that is often overlooked is the change that can be made locally, especially on a college campus like Clemson.
The organization Environmental Science claims that the definition of sustainability is taking into account how we might live in harmony with the natural world around us, protecting it from damage and destruction. For students, sustainability can be a way to promote change in the immediate environment and make a difference in the world.
One of the simplest ways that students can make a difference is by being mindful of energy usage. In dorm rooms and off-campus housing, the easiest way to make a difference is to make sure that lights are being turned off, opting for natural lighting and unplugging chargers while things are not in use. While these things seem inconsequential, the cumulative effect of students doing this can make a huge impact.
You can’t ever fully throw something away, but reusing and recycling is increasingly important. The UN Environmental Program found that we produce about 400 million tons of plastic waste every year. The best course of action is opting for reusable items instead of single-use. Some recycled products, like plastic water bottles, might still end up in a landfill, so opting for a reusable water bottle would be a much more sustainable option. Additionally, choosing to use reusable silverware when eating at restaurants on campus can make a large difference in the plastic being thrown away every day.
Another sustainable option is to be thrifty. Thrifting and donating clothes are a simple, easy way to reduce the carbon footprint that comes with the production of new clothes, particularly fast fashion brands. Many places around campus accept clothing donations where you can leave old clothes that you don’t wear anymore, and college towns are great places to find both used clothing and furniture for a fraction of the original price.
If nothing else, learning more about sustainability on campus is also incredibly important. There are many clubs on campus that promote sustainability, as well as many classes that teach about how we can make a difference.
Even the smallest change can make a difference, and if we, as students, work together, we can make a much bigger change. To learn more about the programs offered by Clemson, check out their website on sustainability.
Lauren Douda is a freshman secondary education and English major from Lexington, South Carolina. Lauren can be reached at [email protected].
