College living isn’t what most people think of when they think of clean living, but it’s never too early to start making better choices for your health. Living an organic lifestyle is one significant way you can breathe and sleep easier.
Incorporating organic swaps into your everyday routine is the perfect low-effort way for college students to join sustainability and wellness movements. Many of these organic-friendly swaps won’t disrupt your habits, meaning they’re as impactful as they are beginner-friendly.
Don’t worry about chemicals in your food, clothing, or bedding while you’re stressing about finals this year. Instead, here are six insider tips that will help you transition to all things all-natural.
Shop for organic dorm essentials
You don’t have control over some things as a college student, but one thing you can control is the products you use to fill your dorm room. Just like clothing, furniture and dorm essentials can also be organic. If you’re in search for sustainable home swaps, there are companies like these that manufacture safe, chemical-free versions of dorm essentials like mattress toppers.
One of the best things about moving into a dorm is that you’re typically starting fresh so that you can buy everything organic the first time around. If you treat them well, these planet-friendly, skin-friendly alternatives can stay with you all four years and beyond.
Consider local food producers and small markets
Food is what most consumers think of when they hear the word “organic.” Organic food is food raised without the help of harmful pesticides, meaning they’re better for our bodies and the environment.
Organic food often has a higher nutrition value, and many swear it tastes better. Look for certified organic products, cruelty-free labels, and shop at local markets to jump on the chemical-free food bandwagon.
Organic produce isn’t always uniformly shaped. Look for the five-digit codes on produce, starting with the number 9, which means organic. If you’re not living the vegetarian lifestyle, that’s perfectly fine–you can choose meats that are certified organic by USDA standards.
Wherever possible, avoid processed food. When eating out, try to eat locally and inquire whether any of your community’s restaurants source their food from nearby farms.
Read about product ingredients
Living organically is a way of life that means learning about the domino effect our purchasing decisions can have on the world around us.
Develop a habit of checking product labels and researching various ingredients. Even foods that you might assume are all-natural can undergo harsh treatments to make them more aesthetically pleasing or long-lasting.
Alternative to plastic
Today’s market is chock full of refillable, reusable water bottles and storage containers. Single-use plastics are one of the most straightforward items to replace with something more eco-friendly.
Use refillable water bottles and mugs. If there’s no alternative option to packaged goods, consider recycling afterward. Though reusable plastics will undergo similar treatment to single-use plastics, this swap is still a low-effort way to reduce your carbon footprint.
Detoxify your skincare routine
Did you know that many cosmetics products are bursting with harsh, skin-damaging chemicals? Research companies with an all-natural, chemical-free promise for a less damaging way to apply your morning makeup.
Dress to impress
Reading food labels is a great habit, but take it to the next level. Check the tag on your clothing. Is it made locally or imported from long distances away? Consider how it came to be in the store where you bought it and what substances might have treated the fabric before processing.
Choosing organic clothing is another excellent tool to unleash the eco-survivor. Hemp and wool make great alternatives to traditional fabrics like cotton.
Trendy clothing comes and goes and leaves a massive footprint on the environment from start to finish. High-quality garments not only look good, but they’re sustainable.
Parting shot
Living organically is about considering all of the available options, not just the most popular or cheapest. By making a few simple adjustments to your buying habits, you can score an “A” in organic living this semester.
Author: Bhok Thompson
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