GROUNDED

SUSTAINABLE LIVING WITHIN CAMPUS HOUSING

WRITTEN BY MACKENZIE CHRISTIE

DESIGNED BY ALLYSON LYNDAKER

In recent years, it seems as though we as a society have begun to reach a crescendo in the climate crisis. From the East Palestine trail derailment, to dangerous levels of microplastics in our food and water, it can begin to feel like sustainable living is a drop in the bucket compared to such profound environmental issues.

Just as pertinent is the economic crunch we simultaneously find ourselves within; in the past year alone, the price of eggs has increased over 70%. Other staple items that have been affected are motor fuels, airfare costs, and dairy products, to name a few. It is clear that everyday costs are growing less and less manageable.

As many of us college students are preparing for the scary world of independent living outside of Messiah, it’s time to come up with solutions to both of these crises that positively impact the environment around us, as well as our own bank accounts.

Energy usage is an area of life that racks up a hefty bill. Whether it’s yourself, your parents, or another party making those payments, the price of energy is a constant factor to keep in mind when considering sustainable practices.

Connor Touhey, Energy Coordinator of the Office of

Sustainability, wants students to know that mindfulness in the realm of energy usage is a crucial element of leading a sustainable life.

“The environmental value of saving energy in its most pure form is being a good steward,” Touhey said. “Stewardship in the realm of energy is being discerning and deliberate with our use of our natural resources.”

“Electricity generation produces around a third of US energy-related carbon dioxide emissions – the single biggest contributor to GHG emissions in the country. If you improve the energy efficiency of your home or apartment, you need less electricity and thus rely less on carbon-intensive power plants.”

Luckily, there are quite a few simple ways of improving your energy efficiency.

“Turn things off when you’re not in the apartment. For instance turning off lights, fans, computers, and televisions, all help to reduce power consumption while away from home,” Touhey said. “The other large way is by turning down your heat in the winter when away from home, and using less AC during the summer by keeping the indoor temperature a bit warmer.”

Another well-known sustainability tip is taking the time to buy second hand. We’re all well acquainted with the activity of thrift shopping our wardrobes, however many people still overlook the ability to buy other goods from second hand stores as well.

Anna Jowanowitch, a sophomore Education Major, feels that second-hand shopping allows her to find items that match her personal style, while participating in a more ethical form of shopping.

“Secondhand items have a sense of character and uniqueness that you can’t find from regular stores, and it doesn’t empty your bank account…when buying from a thrift store, that money you spent usually goes towards helping others in need rather than big corporations that are involved in mass plastic production,” Jowanowitch said.

Home furniture, for example, can be found at a variety of second-hand stores and websites such as the Salvation Army and Facebook Marketplace, which are some of Jowanowitch’s favorite places to browse.

“There are tons of furniture ending up in landfills each year, bringing us closer and closer to reaching full capacity in landfills,” Jowanowitch said. “Buying used items like this can help reduce waste on a larger scale.”

Finally, If you have a green thumb, caring for different types of plants can save you time and money while naturally caring for your body. Many plants that offer natural remedies are also rather easy to care for, making it a simple and effective way to engage with sustainable living.

Senior English major Molly McKim is the proud mother of a thriving aloe plant, which she incorporates into her daily skincare routine.

“I love using my aloe plant as a moisturizer for my face, and even use it for small cuts and burns when I have to. It’s great for soothing irritations and making my face feel soft,” McKim said.

Though our current environmental and economic crises might be daunting, particularly for young adults emerging into an uncertain world, no act is too small when it comes to sustainable living. From buying unique antiques, tending to greenery, and just turning off the lights, our planet (and wallets)