Dirt Cheap: tips for sustainable living on a college budget

There are two things every college student understands: Living on a budget is tough, and being a student isn't cheap. Between daily necessities, gas and coffee runs, costs can add up quickly. But there’s another cost you may not think about: the environmental impact our choices have on the Earth.

By making efficient choices in your home and around campus, you can save money while creating a more sustainable life.

Filter it out

It’s tempting to pick up a case of bottled water. It's quick, easy and convenient, but this purchase isn't as great as it may seem. It can take up to 1,000 years for a plastic water bottle to break down, meaning the issue isn’t out of your hands once it hits the trash can. Worse yet, they also end up in our oceans and ecosystems. Plastic water bottles aren't the bargain they seem, either. The average American spends $250 a year on bottled water. This could be the price of your textbooks!

Instead of repurchasing bottled water, reach for a water filter instead. A great budget friendly option to last you through your college years is the Brita 10 Cup Water Filter Pitcher. It's convenient, affordable and compact. Filters last around two months, significantly cutting back your trips to the store for water. A one-time purchase of a water filter goes a long way for both your wallet and reducing plastic waste.

Head for hand-me-downs

With rising costs in shipping, manufacturing and materials, clothes are now more expensive than ever. It’s hard to get a new outfit on a college budget, which may discourage you from self-expression. This is especially disheartening when looking at the impact of fast fashion on the environment.

Fast fashion is one of the least sustainable industries, ranking as the second most polluting after oil. While sustainable brands like Patagonia or Parks Project are an improvement, they often come with a hefty price tag.

Thrift shopping is the solution to buying a new outfit that doesn't break the bank. Some of my favorite clothing items came from thrift stores, and you can find great options, too. Cape Girardeau locations like Goodwill and Annie Laurie’s can help you stay on budget while giving secondhand items a home, reducing waste. A whopping 87% of materials used to make clothing end up in landfills, don't let your wallet be down in the dumps, too.

Hitch a ride

Fueling your vehicle is never something to look forward to. After paying for tuition, housing, and your favorite latte from Starbucks the funds may be low for a full tank. But while the cost of filling up can be a struggle, there's another important issue to consider when you hit the road.

Pollution from vehicles is a rising concern in our environment. Every time you get behind the wheel, your vehicle releases carbon dioxide. In 2024, CO2 levels reached their highest point ever, making it the hottest year on record.

By utilizing campus resources, you can keep visiting your favorite locations while saving money on gas and reducing your carbon footprint. SEMO offers free shuttle services for students, including WINGS shuttle services on weekends, creating a carpooling experience that can help save our planet. For more information on SEMO shuttle services visit the link here. Saving the planet and money on gas? That’s a win-win.

Ditch the disposables

Paper towels, plastic utensils and cups are practically a college starter kit, but these items aren't as necessary or cheap as you may think. It takes 17 trees to create one ton of paper towels, contributing to deforestation. Those disposable forks and cups may seem cheap, but each pack adds up. A single pack of cups can range anywhere from $5 to $15, creating an endless cycle of wasted money. It may be surprising, but you don't really need those red solo cups. In fact, the carbon emissions associated with a single-use plastic cup range from 10 to 30 grams of CO2.

Switching to reusable hand towels, cutlery and cups is a great way to start living a more sustainable lifestyle. While it may feel like a little extra work to wash them, this simple change will save you money and help preserve our planet.

Making sustainable choices in your everyday life allows you to stick to your budget while reducing your carbon footprint. Living sustainably doesn’t have to be difficult, and by following these simple tips, you’ll be off to a great start. Ultimately, Mother Nature and your bank account will thank you.