Sustainable Living, One Swap at a Time
As I stand in the middle of my childhood bedroom, surveying the piles of clothes, trinkets, and half-empty cardboard boxes, I can’t help but feel a twinge of anxiety. In just a few short weeks, I’ll be packing up my life and heading off to university – my first taste of true independence. And with that independence comes the daunting task of outfitting my very own dorm room.
Growing up, I’ve always admired the eco-conscious influencers I see online, with their minimalist, sustainable lifestyles. But as the youngest in my family, I’ve often felt hindered by the habits of my loved ones. Now, with my college years beckoning, I realize that the sustainable dreams I’ve been nurturing can no longer remain just that – it’s time to put them into action.
Stephanie Froebel’s words resonate deeply with me: “As I grow into adulthood, I often wish I could exist more sustainably like the role models I see online, but am hindered by the excuses of mind along with the different lifestyles of my family. Now that I will finally be on my own, I am realizing that those sustainable dreams of mine cannot be a dream any longer.”
Reusing, Repurposing, and Reducing
You see, the truth is, we as teenagers often find ourselves in a unique position when it comes to setting up our living spaces. Unlike our parents, who have had years to accumulate the “necessities” of life, we’re starting with a blank slate. And therein lies an incredible opportunity to build a sustainable dorm room from the ground up.
Instead of succumbing to the temptation of cheap, disposable decor and “necessary” knickknacks, I’m determined to take a more mindful approach. The key, as Stephanie suggests, is to focus on buying only what I truly need and doing so in an eco-friendly way. That means prioritizing reuse, repurposing, and reduction over mindless consumption.
Sustainable Swaps for the Dorm Room
As I’ve begun my research, I’ve uncovered a wealth of sustainable swaps and options that can transform my dorm room into a sanctuary of eco-consciousness. Let me share a few of my favorites:
Bedding and Linens
When it comes to outfitting my sleeping space, I’m eschewing the traditional route of cheap, mass-produced bedding sets in favor of more sustainable alternatives. Avocado Green Mattress offers a line of organic, GOTS-certified sheets and duvets that are not only better for the planet but also seriously comfortable. And for added coziness, I’m looking into Anchal‘s upcycled quilts and comforters, which give new life to discarded textiles.
Clothing and Accessories
As a fashion-conscious college student, I know I’ll need to stock up on everything from shoes to bags. But instead of defaulting to fast fashion, I’m turning to brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical production. For sandals, I’m eyeing vegan Birkenstocks, while my go-to for outdoor gear and everyday essentials will be Patagonia. And for my everyday sneakers, I can’t wait to lace up a pair of Allbirds, which are made from renewable materials like merino wool and eucalyptus.
Tech and Accessories
In the world of tech, I’m making a conscious effort to seek out more sustainable options. For my phone and AirPods cases, I’ll be turning to Pela Case, which uses plant-based bioplastics instead of harmful plastics. And when it comes to laptops and other electronics, I’ll be scouring the Amazon Renewed marketplace for refurbished models that are just as capable as new, but with a much smaller environmental footprint.
Bathroom and Personal Care
One area where I know I can make a significant impact is in my bathroom routine. Instead of stocking up on single-use plastic bottles, I’m opting for eco-friendly brands like Lush, Ethique, and Toms for my shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and even deodorant. And for shaving, I’m upgrading to a Leaf Razor, which uses replaceable blades instead of disposable cartridges.
School Supplies
Even in the realm of school supplies, I’ve found ways to make sustainable swaps. Instead of buying a new pack of disposable pens each semester, I’m investing in a Pilot FriXion Clicker, which is refillable. And for my notebooks and journals, I’m turning to Dingbats, a brand that uses recycled materials and sustainable production methods.
Sustainable Sourcing and Evaluation
Of course, the journey to creating a sustainable dorm room doesn’t end with simply finding the right products. It’s also crucial to evaluate the companies behind these items and ensure they’re truly walking the talk when it comes to eco-friendliness and ethical practices.
That’s why I’ve been digging deep into the details of each brand I’m considering. I look for third-party certifications like B Corp, Climate Neutral, and 1% for the Planet, which provide tangible proof of a company’s sustainability efforts. I also scrutinize their materials, production methods, and overall transparency to ensure they align with my values.
And of course, I’m not limiting myself to only buying brand-new items. Whenever possible, I’m scouring secondhand marketplaces like Poshmark, eBay, and even Amazon’s Renewed section for gently used items that can be given new life. After all, as Stephanie so eloquently states, “reusing or repurposing what you already have will (almost) ALWAYS be better than buying anything new.”
The Power of Community
As I continue on my journey to creating a sustainable dorm room, I’m heartened to know that I’m not alone. Schools like Yale University have implemented innovative programs like the Swap Room, where students can donate and exchange gently used items to reduce waste and foster a spirit of community and sustainability.
These kinds of initiatives remind me that sustainable living isn’t just about individual actions – it’s about coming together as a community to support one another and make a collective impact. And as I venture out into the world of independent living, I’m eager to not only implement these sustainable swaps in my own dorm room but also to inspire my peers to do the same.
After all, as the wise Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” And with the wealth of sustainable options and the support of like-minded individuals, I know that I can do more than I ever thought possible.
So, as I pack up my childhood belongings and prepare for this next chapter, I do so with a sense of excitement and a deep commitment to creating a dorm room that is not only a reflection of my personal style but also a testament to my dedication to sustainable living. Here’s to making small swaps that can lead to big, positive changes – not just for me, but for our shared future.
