During finals week priorities fly out the window. It’s a vital time when school comes first, many late night study sessions turn into all-nighters. However, a sustainable lifestyle is still achievable on two and a half hours of sleep and eight cups of coffee – see how:
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Turn-off the Electronics
Everyone enjoys studying with ESPN or Netflix streaming and a favorite new jam blaring on the stereo, but both are a distraction and wasting electricity. Do yourself – and the earth – a favor and log off and study distraction free!
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Save the Notecards
Save paper by creating notecards online. There are many free websites to create, and even share, notecards! Save paper by not having to buy notecards and get ahead by teaming up with classmates.
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Take a Bike Ride
The Razorback Regional Greenway was just completed. Take a study break and bike anywhere from Dickson Street to Crystal Bridges. The fresh air and warm weather will clear your head, and giving your car a break will give the environment a break as well.
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Eat for Sustainable Success
When studying for exams, cooking is out of the question. We turn to ordering pizza, a bag of chips, or reheating Ramen Noodles. Try choosing an apple, or carrots and hummus – they’re healthier, so they will keep you going without the crash. By choosing the alternatives, less paper and plastic will go in the landfill.
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BYOM (Bring Your Own Mug)
Everyone needs a little caffeine while pulling an all-nighter to finish that last paper or to study just a little more for chemistry. Make coffee at home in a travel mug and bring it to school. Travel mugs hold more and costs less! Starbucks is also helping to create a smaller footprint! Use a personal tumbler or cup at Starbucks and save 10 cents and a paper cup every time. (This also applies to water bottles – save the plastic and use a reusable one)
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Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
You know the 45 page review thrown across the floor is definitely recyclable. Throw the travesty in the recycling bin or pass it along to friend who has the class next semester.
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Smile!
Conserve energy. It takes twice as many muscles to frown than it does to smile. Research says that a positive attitude makes you more productive.
Stay positive, relax, and good luck!
By Meghan Anderson, Agricultural Communications Experiential Learning Lab Reporter