Tip of the month: university for planet lovers

When I went to university, my mom took me on many shopping trips to kit out my dorm room in style. But, while your parents might have the urge to load you up with stuff for your first time living out of their home, they might be doing less of a service to the planet than you'd like. Remember that the more stuff you buy, the more waste is created in manufacturing, packaging, and distribution, and the more stress you put on the planet. Hit the attic, or the second hand store for used items wherever you can. It's cheaper too.

 

I'll never forget my first day of residence, when I entered my new dorm room to find that my roommate had NHL hockey sheets, and my mother was concerned that they had accidentally matched me up with a boy for a roommate. When shopping for bedding for your new abode, no matter what style you choose, watch out for sheets that are wrinkle-resistant or made with pesticide-treated cotton. Wrinkle-resistant items contain formaldehyde, which is not something you wanna be sleeping on at night. Besides, who (other than my grandmother, who actually irons her sheets!) cares if your sheets are a bit wrinkly? Look for alternatives that are 100% cotton, hemp, linen or wool, and preferably organic and unbleached.

 

Don't think that looking for alternatives ends with your bed. If you're buying new clothes for your new life, watch out for clothing with stain repellants, wrinkle-resistant treatments, brominated flame retardants, or pesticide-treated cotton. All of these contain toxins that are rubbing on your skin, and being inhaled as you wear them. You should also avoid clothes that are dry clean only. Most dry cleaners use perchloroethylene (PERC), which is not only extremely toxic to the environment, but it can irritate the skin, eyes, nose and throat, disrupt the nervous system, and cause liver and kidney damage and cancer. You shouldn't have any trouble finding clothes that are machine washable, you bright young thing.

 

If you want to be taken seriously as a studious individual, you should probably stock up on more than clothes and household items. You might want to pick up a few binders and pencils too. Luckily, we've got you covered. We put together a handful of handy tips for all the back to school supplies you could need!

 

And yes, we know that many university experiences would not be complete without considerable hours spent at the campus pub. See if you can find a beer or wine option that is local, and maybe even organic, for all of your extra-curricular activities!