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Five Easy Ways to Live More Environmentally Conscious

5 Zero Waste Swaps | Graphic by Grace Merkle | The Wright State Guardian


It can be difficult for busy and broke college students to be conscious about living zero waste, but these easy and affordable swaps make it possible to live more environmentally conscious.

Metal straws

Metal straws can be found in almost any store and are a great way to reduce plastic waste. Storing a metal straw in a backpack or purse and using it instead of plastic straws at restaurants or on campus is an easy and simple zero waste swap that does not cost a lot. 

Many stores also sell cleaning brushes for metal straws to ensure that they stay clean and bacteria-free in between each use.

Reusable produce bags 

Another easy zero waste swap is to use reusable produce bags at the grocery store instead of the plastic bags that are available in produce sections. Of course, using reusable bags to carry all groceries instead of plastic bags at checkout is also a great way to reduce plastic waste. 

Reusable produce bags can be found at a variety of stores including Target and T.J.Maxx, but any reusable bag will work. 

In addition, try to avoid buying prepackaged produce and opt for loose produce instead. 

Wool dryer balls 

Instead of using dryer sheets that will end up in landfills, use wool dryer balls instead. Wool dryer balls last a long time and help reduce static electricity in clothing just as much as dryer sheets. Additionally, adding a few drops of essential oil to wool dryer balls is a great wall to add fresh and inviting scents to laundry. 

Beeswax Food Wrap

Another great zero waste swap that students can make is using beeswax wrap instead of plastic wrap to store and pack food. There are numerous brands for beeswax wrap that can be found in stores and online. This is also a great way to save money by eliminating the need to buy plastic wrap and sandwich bags. 

Stainless Steel Reusable Razor 

Lastly, stainless steel reusable razors are a great way to reduce waste and save money. Although these razors can be a little pricey, they will ultimately result in savings from eliminating the need to constantly buy new razors. The stainless steel means they will last a long time and all the only waste that is produced are the blades when the old ones need to be switched out for new ones.


Alexis Wisler

Managing Editor

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