Earth Week!

By: Evelyn Ealey

With Elon celebrating Earth Week this week, it’s time to start reflecting on what we as college students can do to make our world a better place. Climate change, carbon emissions, food waste, and pollution are just a few of the environmental issues that the world is facing today, and solving these problems begins with us. Thrifting and second hand shopping, utilizing reusable cups, and voting are three simple ways we can create a healthier and more beautiful Earth.

Being mindful in your shopping habits can reduce carbon emissions significantly and give support to businesses who are practicing safe and sustainable environmental practices. Thrifting has become popular among college students in the past couple of years, and is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and upgrade your wardrobe. With 60% of all clothing ending up in landfills in its first year, the chemicals, water, energy, and various other resources used to make them end up wasted when they are thrown away. The fashion industry is the second largest contributor to global pollution, so next time you need a new pair of jeans or an outfit for a party consider a thrift store. Plato’s Closet, Uptown Cheapskate, Good Will, and The Salvation Army are all great places to start your sustainable shopping journey.

As everyone knows, college students love coffee, but did you know that cup of coffee is responsible for plastic solution? Many coffee cups are either made out of polyethylene plastic or are paper with a plastic lining, making them not recyclable. A great sustainable alternative are reusable cups and mugs that many companies offer their customers and will gladly fill them for you, oftentimes with a discount. Starbucks has a plethora of reusable cups in many colors and sizes, and rewards members can earn 25 stars and get 10 cents off their drink order when they bring their reusable cup. Dunkin has hopped on the sustainability train too, offering discounts to customers who bring in their reusable cups and are working on getting rid of all plastic in their cups by 2050.

Driving is the largest leading cause of greenhouse gas emissions, and accounts for about 27% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Having a compact campus helps us students reduce our emissions from driving, but we can always strive for more. Try using public transportation such as the Elon Express or carpooling to stores when possible to reduce the amount of fuel emission being released into the air. Regular car inspections and making sure your car is in good condition could also help reduce gas use in America by 2%.

Moving to a more sustainable lifestyle may seem like a daunting task at first, but implementing these three practices into your life will make the transition much easier. Remember, it’s one small step at a time that will make a big difference.