Almost anyone who has been to college has felt the sting of being short on cash. The all-ramen-diet is a kind of running gag amongst “old school” alums, but is this trend alive and well today? Student debt is skyrocketing, and rent prices in areas like New York, Los Angeles, San Diego, and other cities with large universities are increasing with it. Some students live this reality every day in dorms, but you can break the chain! Not only can you go green and flaunt your eco-friendliness, you can pocket extra change each time you move (which could be as frequent as once a year).
Reusable Storage Bags
Reusable storage bags, like the kind you might buy at your local market or department store are useful for storing the contents of your closet, or the books on your bookshelf. With easy to lift shoulder straps, you can buy a few of these cheaply priced bags and haul an entire room full of stuff. Be careful with loose objects like pens and pencils, as they may puncture the material. Once you’re situated, continue to use storage bags for shopping bags and laundry baskets. Also be sure to check the laws on plastic bags for the city you relocate too. San Francisco recently adopted a ban on plastic bags.
Used Cardboard
Many retailers offer a buyback policy with cardboard boxes after a move. If the boxes are returned in relatively good condition, customers can sell them back and pocket some savings. If you do buy new cardboard boxes, recycle them at the nearest facility, or buy boxes made from recycled cardboard to cut down on your waste.
Self Storage
Despite the obvious benefits of additional space, packing boxes tightly into the back of your closet can actually ruin the cardboard box. Humid conditions make cities like Orlando, Florida hot spots for degradation, as high levels of moisture increase water build up in your cardboard boxes. Look for climate and temperature regulated storage like Uncle Bobs self storage or try to stack your boxes with some space between them to help humidity escape.
Biodegradable Packing Material
You don’t need to purchase styrofoam peanuts or bubble wrap, you can use some of the things you have around your dorm to help save money. Free newspapers and flyers that you accumulate as you wander around campus make for great packing materials. Ask mom and dad if you can raid the garage for old newspapers when you visit home, and bring them back with you when you return. Pack dishes between towels and fill in the loose slots with inky paper so your materials don’t get stained.
Other Tips
Continue your green lifestyle with a few changes around the new house. Sell off your extra stuff on Craigslist, and cut down on your need for packing materials the next time you move. Swap out light bulbs for LED bulbs wherever possible. The high upfront cost will be worth the long term savings. Institute a recycling program for the house, and get all of your roommates involved. Even if you only earn a few dollars each week, put that money toward a monthly party for your house, or use it to pay off bills.
Green is a choice, so cutting down your footprint with small changes will go a long way for helping out the environment.