College Student Sustainability

I go to college in the middle of nowhere, New York State. Think farmland. Then more farmland. Then a lake. That’s where I am! Shopping sustainably on a budget is hard enough, but when you’re also located somewhere like me, there becomes another level to it due to my isolation. So, how do I and people like me shop in an eco-friendly manner? Because sustainability is something I have found myself passionate about, and it’s not something I’ll be giving up just because it’s a little harder in a less populated area. Instead, I’ll share some hacks I’ve found with you!

photo credit: Kevin Colton on ILoveNY.com

1. Long Term Lists

Thinking about clothing and other items in a long-term way has helped me more than I thought it would. What I mean by this is when you feel an impulse to buy something you aren’t sure you need, write it down and come back to it in a week or more. By doing this, I’ve saved probably hundreds of dollars. I look at some of these lists I made and simply ask myself what I was thinking. One time, I had a lobster-patterned skirt on there?? I’m still not 100% sure what I was planning on doing with that…

2. Saving, Not Impulse

When I know I want something, I make a plan to save for it specifically, similar to long-term lists. This helps my impulsivity when I’m going shopping, especially if I pause and ask myself questions like “do I already have something like that?” or “could I find that on Depop for half the price?”.  I was worried for so long about seeming cheap, or that not letting myself give in to buy something I wanted would make me sad, but I realized that… it really doesn’t matter where I shop. Sometimes I do let myself splurge and buy a super cool and expensive outfit, but it’s conscious spending on fashion, a skill I most definitely had to learn over the years. 

My favorite items to second-hand shop are jewelry and bags: you can find extremely unique pieces at thrift stores or consignment shops. However, I will usually buy my shoes, nicer pieces, and business clothes firsthand since I have a harder time finding those that fit me right when I thrift them. It’s all about personal experience! 

3. Where to Look

(For Clothes)

• Depop

Essentially an online thrift store, Depop allows anybody to sell and recycle clothes for a much lower price than retail.

• Small Businesses

Even if you’re not a college student, this can apply to you as well. Most college towns tend to have a cute downtown area, or something like it. Here is where you’ll find small businesses and owners who are looking to cater to people like us, who want to shop sustainably. 

• Other College Students

Believe it or not, everyone has clothes they’re looking to recycle, upcycle, or donate. Start your own college swap on blankets in a common area, or make a Snapchat story asking if anyone would want what you have! It’s actually a really fun way not only to talk to people who like fashion, but also to meet new people on your campus. 

(Other Items)

• Refillable container stores

I specifically made this section so I could talk about a kind of store I’m waiting to hit mainstream media, and that’s an ingredient store. Rather than snacks packaged in aluminum and plastic bags, you can choose a more sustainable (and much cheaper) option by looking for an “ingredient store” near you. The one near me is called “Marilla's Mindful Supplies”, and I can’t wait to utilize it more in my coming years at college. 

Essentially…

Everything I’m giving you advice on can all be summed up in one word. Reuse. In order to stay sustainable, especially as a college student, remember that it’s okay to wear the same outfit once a week. You don’t need to justify spending $20 on Shein just because everyone else is doing it, especially if it may be one of your personal goals to live more sustainably. You being one single person trying to make a change does make a difference, whether it’s for the world or yourself.

College students should not be underestimated in their ability to accomplish something once they set their minds to it, and I hope we can all start taking more steps towards living sustainably.