Sustainability

Zero Waste Tips for College Students

Since this is a new academic year, why not be a sustainable student? Any small changes you make can help make a greener and sustainable campus! Here are 5 Zero Waste Tips! 

1. Have a collection of reusable containers. 

Probably one of the most impactful wastes on campus is single-use plastics containers. Investing in a collection of reusable containers can help campus become more sustainable and greener! Plus, you can enjoy your drink or food on the go. Whether it’s coffee or your favorite pasta.  

2. Buy in bulk.  

If you like to snack when you are studying, try to buy your food in bulk and pack your snacks in reusable containers like mason jars or reusable food containers.  

 

3. Shop at the thrift store. 

Check out the local thrift stores around the University District for affordable and second-hand clothing! Not only are you saving money for yourself, but you are also being a sustainable student.  

4. Get used textbooks.  

Students are always looking to sell their books for reasonable prices. Try buying used books whenever you can. Chegg is a great service for college students that lets you rent books instead of buy them. Or try buying and/or renting a digital copy a textbook too if possible.  

 

5. Kindly refuse 

During the first few weeks of the semester, student organizations and offices love to give out freebies and flyers. If you are trying to be sustainable, kindly refuse to take a flyer or a t-shirt. Most of the freebies are cheaply made and not worth keeping to-be honest. And most of it is going to end up in the garbage.  

 

Just know that going zero waste in college is possible! Try to be a greener student if possible! I know I will be during this academic year! 

Knowing Your Trash & Recycling Pickup Schedule

Different addresses in Columbus have different pickup schedules for their trash and recycling, so it’s important to know which day your trash and recycling will be collected. Knowing when to and putting out your trash & recycling bins will allow you to have a clean environment and reduce pollution around your house.  Having a clean house will improve your mental and physical health and a added bonus recycling helps the world become more sustainable! 

Luckily, the City of Columbus has an address lookup that will provide you with the correct information for your address! 

Here is the link: https://311.columbus.gov/AddrLookupnew.aspx  

 

1. Enter your address in the search engine and hit search 

2. Once the results populate, your schedule will appear in calendar form below 

3. By clicking on the “Get a reminder!” icon, you will have multiple options to receive reminders about your schedule 

OSU’s Student Farm

 

The Ohio State Student Farm is a 4-acre plot of land at the Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory, located near Kenny Road and Lane Avenue. It is a space for all backgrounds and identities to engage in learning, researching and collaborating on projects. The purpose of the student farm is to empower students to experience first-hand the present and future of sustainable agriculture and food justice.  

During the academic year, the Student Farm mainly operates as the Student Growing Collaborative (SGC). This organization meets bi-weekly to learn and advocate for sustainable agriculture and food justice through events and workshops. In the spring semester, the SGC focuses on preparation for the growing season through crop planning, planning for both weed and soil fertility.  

Towards the end of spring semester and the summer season, the Student Farm focuses on production season. They grow a variety of 25 different vegetables and herbs. When students and faculty focus on production, this can include planting, cultivating, and managing vegetable production. They also run student-led projects during this time as well. Some of their projects (both present and past) were beekeeping, solar cold storage, and compost tea. There are many more great projects. Feel free to check them out here. 

https://hcs.osu.edu/undergraduate/student-clubs/ohio-state-student-farm  

If you are interested in volunteering at the Student Farm, sign up here so you can follow all the guidelines.  

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqZ28SffiR0GYRxeRRsqtewf1pAnYmXiT5DakgAJBu543cBA/viewform  

Explore Columbus Metroparks

If you are going to be in Columbus during the summer, I recommend checking out the different Metro Parks that Columbus and Franklin County have to offer. There are 23 in Franklin County alone! Have a picnic lunch at Highbanks, take an archery course at Scioto Grove, or rock climb at Scioto Audubon. There are so many things to do and adventures to have! 

 

Challenge Idea:  

Challenge your friends to see who can visit all 23 parks before Autumn Semester starts! 

Metro Parks in Franklin County: 

Check out https://www.metroparks.net/, for additional information, you can also click on the metropark you are interested in to be navigated to their informational page.