Edition: December 3rd, 2021
Curated by the Knowledge Team of ICS Career GPS
- Excerpts from article Diana Hope, published on blueandgreentomorrow.com
The current generation of college students is pledging to do more to help the environment. However, more college students will have to find ways to live green, while also managing their finances better. There are a lot of steps that college students can take to live eco-friendlier lifestyles.
It will take some discipline and planning, but you can do a lot to help lower your carbon footprint and minimise the amount of natural resources that you consume.
Living a green lifestyle might not be high on most students’ priorities due to hectic schedules and other college responsibilities, but students need to be proactive and do more for the planet as well.
If you’re a student and want to reduce your environmental impact, making small changes on how and where to spend your money is an excellent start.
Here are some eco-friendly ways to manage your finances as a student:
1. Turn to Digital Paper Trail
- Keeping a paper trail is an excellent tool to analyse how businesses are doing financially, and the same applies to managing personal finances.
- As a student, you also need to keep track of your daily financial transactions.
- Doing so can help you make necessary adjustments to your expenses and allocate your budget more efficiently.
- Papers are one of the largest culprits that cause damage to the environment.
- The good news is, you can reduce paper usage by turning to a digital paper trail.
- Instead of going to banks and physical stores, you can opt to have your financial transactions electronically.
- It will allow you to save both time and money while helping the environment.
2. Invest in Reusables
- Investing in reusable items seems like a small thing to improve your finances and the environment. But it can make a big difference in the long-term.
- Instead of using disposable plastics, such as straws, coffee stirrers, water bottles, and food packaging, there are plenty of eco-friendly alternatives in the market.
- Note that reusable items like bamboo toothbrushes and stainless-steel drink bottles are a one-time purchase.
- Unlike single-use plastics, you would only have to buy once, and you’re set for months or even years.
- Doing so can help you save some money and protect the environment at the same time.
3. Modify your Daily Commute
- You can also modify your daily commute to and from your university or around the city.
- If you live in the vicinity of the school, cycling or walking can significantly reduce emissions, plus you’ll be able to save money on travel costs.
- But if you need to get somewhere far, choose a more environment-friendly mode of transportation. Ride-sharing or taking public transportation is the best way to reduce carbon footprint.
- Compared to traditional car emissions, transit vehicles emit less pollution per person. Add to that the amount of cash you can free up!
4. Go for Pro-Environment Purchases
- It’s a common belief that sustainable products always come with a high price tag. But you actually end up saving more in the long run by purchasing them.
- Thrift shopping is another way to go for pro-environment purchases.
- It’s a cheaper alternative to find trendy clothes that are often only worn a few times by other consumers.
- You can also help protect the environment by purchasing recycled material notebooks or shopping around for energy-efficient gadgets.
- If you want to order a drink at your local coffee shop, consider bringing your mug or tumbler too. If you do it, some establishments might even offer a discount on your beverage of choice.
5. Choose Sustainable Banking
- Where you place your money also matters.
- You need to research to get the best rate and terms for checking, savings, or other accounts.
- But if you’re looking to help the environment, make sure to choose a banking service that focuses on investing in environment-friendly and sustainable projects.
- Banking with an online depository institution can also be a great option. Since transactions are made online, there’s a smaller running cost and carbon footprint.
- Banking is an effective way to learn smart budgeting and saving.
When it comes to taking control of your finances and protecting the environment, the key is to keep doing all you can, no matter how small the steps are.
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(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article mentioned above are those of the author(s). They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of ICS Career GPS or its staff.)
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