by Carol Smock

Created on: September 04, 2010

Only 1% of products produced in the United States are still in use 6 months later. Keep this rather shocking fact in mind when you’re decorating your dorm room, and you can be much more environmentally friendly. Try to avoid purchasing new things; instead, bring from home your own stuff, which will feel more comforting anyway when you’re so far away. Look for useful items at garage sales and thrift stores. Check Freecycle, a web site that supports a national network of local organizations that swap stuff to keep it from going into the landfill.

Bedding:

Cotton is the most toxic crop grown today, when “conventional” methods are used. Fortunately, organic cotton is available, grown in an eco-friendly way that does not harm the environment. And the great news is that the price of organic cotton is going down due to increased demand and production. It has dropped 50% in the last few weeks! So those organic cotton sheets, pillowcases, and coverlets are now more affordable. Target has inexpensive organic bedding.

Pillows can be made from recycled plastic bottles, spun into soft fiber (don’t ask me how; they just do it), and covered in organic cotton. Target also has these available.

Appliances, Computers, Lighting:

Use appliances that are energy misers, and plug them into an electric outlet strip that you can turn off when they are not being used (keep that minifrig on its own circuit).

Choose Energy Star appliances that use less electricity, reducing your carbon footprint. Here is one place where “reusing” doesn’t work too well; used Energy Star appliances are hard to find.

Instead of a plastic electric kettle, invest in one that is made from stainless steel.

MacBook is the world’s greenest laptop, and refurbished models are available from the Apple online store. Also look on ebay for great bargains.

Use compact fluorescent bulbs in your lamps.

Try a salt lamp that will give off negative ions, a boost to health and mood.

Posters and Pictures:

Bring favorites from home to avoid purchasing new ones. Or look for vintage posters on ebay. You can personalize some posters by superimposing your own name on a marque.

No plastic water bottles:

Instead of buying bottled water, invest in a table top water filter and refillable aluminum water bottles.
Get them online for easy shopping.

Beeswax candles:

If your dorm allows candles, use beeswax, which will not pollute the indoor air and will not harm the environment during production.

Air fresheners:

Use air fresheners made from essential oils instead of plug-ins or aerosols.

Laundry and cleaning products:

Use eco-friendly products free from scents and dyes, such as Seventh Generation. Same goes for cleaning products. Or make your own from vinegar, baking soda, and other simple ingredients available at your grocery store. Recipes are available by googling “natural homemade cleaning products”. They are incredibly cheap, effective and easy to make.

Pay attention to your environmental impact when you shop, work and study. Walking to class will help you stay in shape; just don't carry too many books with you. Get some good comfortable walking shoes. You'll be doing yourself and the environment a big favor.

References and further information:

http://www.ebaygreenteam.com/posts/decorating-a-gree n-dorm

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/green-dorm-room-eas y-greening.html#

http://www.dormdelicious.com/articles/decorating_tip s_green_dorm_room

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