COVID-19 has brought many lifestyle changes, like increased hand-washing and use of disposable resources. It may seem challenging to live both safely and sustainably during a pandemic, but it just requires some creativity. Below are several tips to help you make lifestyle choices that prioritize not only your health, but the health of our planet.
Transportation
Walking and biking are ideal, if you live close enough to your destination. This will boost your immune system with great exercise, allow you to physically distance from others, and won’t pollute our air. In fact, according to a recent study, if everyone switched to biking for their daily commute, the decreased air pollution would save 449 years of life annually in just one county! Also, compared with those who drive or walk to work, cyclists are exposed to the least amount of pollution during their daily commute. After walking and biking, riding the bus is the next best option, because this puts fewer cars on the road. Whether you ride a CABS or COTA bus, be sure to wear your mask.
Grocery Shopping
When it’s time to buy more hand sanitizer, go for a larger container to refill the smaller one you received in your welcome kit. This will use less plastic, save money, and result in fewer grocery trips. As for grocery bags, the best option is reusable, next best is paper, and the last resort should be plastic. Some stores do not allow reusable bags during the pandemic, so be sure to follow your store’s guidelines. You can always ask the cashier if they’re comfortable with you stocking your own bags, so they don’t have to handle your reusable bags. If you do use reusable bags, clean them weekly. If you use plastic bags, bring them back to the store for recycling. For products that you use often, like laundry detergent, do your best to buy eco-friendly products. If you grocery shop online, make less frequent, large orders to limit how much packaging is used. Finally, an incredible campus resource is the Buckeye Food Alliance, which is a free food pantry that any student can safely use.
Water
Potable (that is, drinkable) water is one of the earth’s most valuable resources, and there are small changes that everyone can make to make a difference. If you shorten your shower by 1-2 minutes, you can save about 150 gallons/month; if you keep it to 5 minutes or shorter, you can save 1000 gallons/month. Turning off the water while you’re brushing your teeth can save 4 gallons/minute! Plugging your sink while shaving can save 300 gallons/month. Only wash full loads of laundry and dishes, and be sure to reuse your towels. Be sure to tighten those faucets to reduce leaks in your sinks and bathtubs. And if you see a leaky faucet or toilet, complete a campus maintenance request (or check your off-campus lease) to have them repaired.
Masks
Disposable masks must be placed in the trash and cannot be recycled, because they are considered biohazardous materials. Wearing reusable masks that can be laundered many times is very sustainable. Be sure to follow the instructions for washing them; when in doubt, wash the masks in cold water with detergent and let them air dry. And above all, do not throw the masks onto the ground. Litter is hazardous not only to humans, but also to fish and other wildlife.
Let’s do our best to keep ourselves and our planet healthy.
- Joe Doherty, Wellness Coordinator, Wellness Coaching
- Tom Reeves, Director, Energy Management & Sustainability
Resources
https://bikemunk.com/biking-statistics/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969717301559