Filed under: Food, Health, Tips, Green on CampusWhile many eco-trends, such as organic food, may seem too expensive for those on a budget, many others are quite reasonable, and may even help you to better manage your life, and not just your wallet.Local foodIf you can't afford the prices on organic at the health food store, consider purchasing your food locally. There are little to no shipping costs, and you're supporting hard-working people in your community, rather than large corporations. In fact, you may even find that fruit and vegetables that are in-season are cheaper locally than if they were imported, or shipped from say, Florida to New York. Green shopping bagsThese are easy to come by now a days, as not only grocery stores, but also department stores are selling them, usually near the cash registers. Of course, you can always go hunting for a sturdy tote bag you like better, or check out places like eBay for cheap designer shopping bags. Metal shopping cart If you live within walking distance to stores that you visit regularly, consider purchasing a cart on wheels. Not just for old ladies, it'll help you with large or heavy purchases, as well as the trips to the grocery store that end up with you coming home with a few week's worth of food. In this way, you save on the temptation to call a cab. Carpooling Chances are, even if you can't afford to own and operate a car while studying, you have a friend or two who can. Call them up and try to match up on days to go to the laundromat, grocery store, and even classes. I used to visit my parents on weekends when my roommate did, because we were both from the same town, and our parents would alternate picking us up and driving us back. Bus it, or bike Most likely, you have a bus pass because you are a student. Mine was included in the fee for my student card each year. Put a schedule on the fridge, in your purse, your backpack, and even your car if you have one, and take the bus when you can. After all, don't you feel cool just flashing your card and waltzing right on? Of course you do. Our bus system had a "Pub Bus" which would run through the downtown club/bar areas around one and two in the morning, and head back up to the school. Try to co-ordinate when you leave with those times, because then not only can you go home for "free," but you won't be polluting by calling a cab or using a designated driver. Of course, if you miss the bus, those are the safest, and greenest back-up options. You could also consider investing in a bike. Not only is biking great for your physical and mental well-being, it's fun and green too. You can also get further, faster on a bike than walking, or even sometimes than busing. Swap meets Check out the fliers around school because chances are, your peers are getting together to swap textbooks, cds, dvds, clothing, and other junk. Some may even liquidate when they graduate and prepare to move away. Also check out the Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, your very own campus bookstore, Better World Books, 2Swap, Freecycle, used bookstores downtown, and even garage/yard sales. Dorm room plants There are plenty of beautiful, cleansing, and most of all, easy to care for plants that will survive in a dorm setting even under the not-so-green thumbs of students. Check out our guides to growing snake plants, jade, African violets, rubber trees, English ivy, and spider plants. Green cleaning You don't have to waste your money on toxic cleansers for everything from dust to carpets to dishes. Check out these green, do-it-yourself cleaners that are cheap, simple and smell great. Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments


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