Despite the fact that I have a wide range of knowledge about zero-waste living and plenty of useful tips I've gathered after conducting my own research to include in this post, at the end of the day I am not a student. In order to provide you with the best information, I went straight to the source for some help in writing this post.

I interviewed a long-time environmentally conscious student, @Hannah.the.PA for her best tips on ways she reduces her ecological footprint. Hannah is pursuing her third post-secondary degree to become a physician assistant in a 24-month fast-track program with U of T here in Canada. On average, she spends 50 hours a week at her desk studying the ins and outs of medicine with approximately 10 exams a semester — you could call her a professional student!

To be eco-friendly as a student consider going paperless, switch to eco-friendly supplies, choose tech that lasts, buy secondhand, bring your own lunch, rethink your commute, connect to your community and get involved

I have included affiliate links throughout this post to point you in the right direction of where to purchase the items mentioned throughout if you are interested, but as always, I encourage you to buy secondhand where possible.

So without further ado, here are eight ways to be a more eco-friendly student:

1. Go paperless

2. Switch to Eco-friendly Supplies Such as Refillable Pen and Highlighters Pencils

3. Choose the Right Tech

4. Buy Secondhand

5. Bring your own lunch in Reusables

6. Commute by Public Transportation, Bike or Study Remotely

7. Connect to Community to Find Second Hand Resources

8. Advocate for sustainable living and create awareness

Go Paperless

Technology has made it easier than ever for students in 2021 to reduce their waste. Try to limit your paper and printing usage as much as possible by implementing these eco-friendly alternatives into your study habits.

Swap your notebooks for a Digital Notebook or Tablet

Think about all the notebooks you have gone through for course notes and journaling in the past. If you really think about it, there’s a good chance a lot of them were disposed of before you made the most of every single page too. On average, one tree produces 100 notebooks. Switching to a smart notebook will eliminate your need for continuing to purchase new paper products and still allow you the cognitive benefits of physical note-taking. The Rocketbook works by using its patented reusable Core technology — with synthetic paper and Pilot FriXion Pens, you are able to use the notebook as normal and then upload the contents to the cloud. Simply erase with water and a soft cloth and you can reuse it again, and again!

For a bit of a pricier option, Hannah recommends using an iPad and Apple Pencil.

This has by far been my favourite tool for studying and note taking. I know it is more expensive than other tablets or digital notebooks but for the amount of lectures I work through and notes I take daily, it has been the best thing for me. I have all my textbooks in digital form and am able to directly annotate my slides and textbooks. I bought an iPad air 3 with cloud storage to back up my notes. I also purchased a cheap matte screen protector to help make the screen feel more paperlike, it was the best decision!

Swap sticky notes for reusable ones or use a whiteboard instead

Sticky notes are ideal for quick reminders, to-do lists, and studying,  especially for those who suffer from object permanence. In my opinion, digital and app versions fall short. One of the main appeals of sticky notes is that they serve as a powerful persuasive tool when you need it the most. In bathrooms, on door frames, on walls, and on desks, sticky notes can go everywhere. So what green alternatives are available for this essential school tool?

To start, I would recommend switching from single-use sticky notes to ones that can be re-used and are free of toxic glue. These Slicky Notes are reusable, double-sided squares that use static charge to stick to virtually any surface without leaving any residue or emitting glue into landfills after they are used. While they are a bit pricy compared to the traditional pack you can find at the dollar store, you can use whiteboard markers on them to erase and reuse them over and over again!

You could also keep a small whiteboard nearby for quick reminders. Here is a great one to keep on your desktop. If you want to maximize your sustainability efforts, check out your local thrift shop or consider finding a second-hand one. You can totally make this yourself, too! I found an old cabinet door at IKEA in the 'as is' section for $3 and decided to make my own DIY whiteboard. The glass acts as the writing surface I can easily wipe away with a whiteboard marker and microfiber cloth. Any old glass frame you find will work!

Swap physical presentations and assignments to utilizing digital tools

Nowadays, most teachers opt for digital submissions because everything remains in one place. You can speak to your educator if you have to print off assignments or display a presentation so they can tell you if there is a digital option you can use to submit. If they are old school, you may have the chance to educate them!

One of my favourite presentation tools for students is Canva. If you haven’t heard about it by now, this will be a game-changer for your digital assignments (and even your resume in the future) Canva is an easy-to-use graphic subscription tool that contains TONS of awesome templates for presentations, reports, flyers, and much more. There is a free subscription that covers the basics, or you can sign up for Canva Pro and receive access to unlimited storage space for your designs, photos, and assets, as well as access to literally millions of other photos, stock videos, audio files, and graphic elements to make your work stand out.

Swap cue cards for app-based studying

Self-testing is imperative to doing well on multiple-choice tests. Instead of using paper cue cards, Hannah suggested using an app such as Quizlet or Anki.

These flashcard apps have saved me from using SO much paper during self study review. They are easy to navigate, share with classmates and input new information on the go. Plus they run on an algorithm that tells you when you should review again to practice  active recall for exam day. By far the most useful notifications I get on my phone and computer!

Switch to Eco-Friendly Supplies

When buying your school supplies, consider the long-term impact of your choices. Single-use items are inherently worse than the environment. Choosing reusable and biodegradable products will reduce your need to consume and will keep waste out of landfills. I have a huge list of reusable, zero-waste swaps you can check out here for all areas of your life and I mentioned the reusable smart notebook and sticky notes above, but here are five more eco-friendly supplies for students:

1. Refillable Pen

Never let a pen run dry again by choosing to swap out the plastic single-use ones for a refillable fountain one! It’s important to note that without removing the metal components plastic pens aren’t actually recyclable. It is more eco-friendly to have one pen you can reuse again over time rather than going through boxes and boxes of plastic ones that will end up in a landfill. This AmazonBasics fountain pen is really affordable for students and even comes with two cartridges that you could choose to refill at your local print shop, instead of continuing to buy from amazon. Check your student bookstore if possible.

2. Aluminum Binders

Should you need a place to store loose paper and documents, you might as well purchase one that is going to last you a long time. Traditionally used binders are made with a combination of plastic and cardboard that can easily be damaged in a full bag. Once the cover portion bends, or the plastic rips, the binder is deemed useless. An aluminum binder is lightweight, sturdy, and recyclable! It will last the entirety of your school years and can be passed once you are done with it or continue to be used for personal and professional documents. Bonus points that they are super easy to sanitize from contact in a busy environment. An aluminum clipboard is another great alternative if you aren’t a fan of hole punching, with storage space for loose paper.

3. Highlighter Pencils

Although highlighter pens could be considered reusable, they can dry out pretty easily before they are completely used up. You can prevent this from happening by switching from ink to vibrant highlighter pencils like these and not have to worry about that again! You can also use these from tip to tip instead of needing to dispose of the plastic casing liquid highlighters have. I think they are way more gentle on paper as well and prevent the ink from bleeding.

4. Compostable Tech Protection

Make sure your phone, headphones, and smartwatch are prepared for use on an active school campus by keeping them secure in great cases that also happen to be fully compostable. Taking care of your electronics properly is instinctively sustainable because treating them well will help them last longer. Pela is the first-ever compostable case tech brand that sells sturdy cases and accessories that can be easily broken down after use. These are great because if you ever need an upgrade, you don’t need to feel bad about having a leftover dirty plastic case with no use. Simply throw it in with your home’s compost bin for a zero-waste solution to an everyday essential product.

5. Portable Solar Power

Isn't it better to produce your own power than rely on outlets? Not only will this swap be good for the environment, but it will also be useful when you need to charge your laptop or other devices on the go. In contrast to cheaper portable power, GoSun will provide power to laptops, phones, drones, cameras, lights, action cameras, fans, and CPAP machines with adjustable DC outlets. The Power 266 can be charged by the sun in as little as 4 hours and will charge a laptop five times over, or 22 phones. This is also an excellent emergency item for remote students.

Choose the Right Tech

Despite the common knowledge that digital tools can help to prevent waste and streamline your processes, I believe it is equally as important to choose the right tools for your specific needs and program. If not, it will just end up creating more waste. Can also mention the fact that tech can be outrageously expensive?! Why spend money on things you don’t need?

So for starters, I asked Hannah about how she goes about choosing the right digital tools for herself.

I always do my research. It is really important to me that I make an informed decision when looking to buy new tools. I watch a lot of YouTube video reviews from other students in similar programs who talk about their hands-on experience with the product this helps me determine whether its a good fit for me Generally, other students are pretty transparent about whether or not items are worth it.

Then I asked if she had any tips on how other students can make the right decisions for them.

Research for sure, but for new students there are a few other things I would urge them to consider. Think about the storage space you need on your devices, your graphic or lack of graphic needs, your program demands, and the longevity of the equipment. Many programs have lists of recommended tech to have on hand you can find through program administration. I would also encourage you to reach out to students that are a year or two above you to ask about their experience and what they recommend.

To summarize, the best way to choose the right tech for school is to:

1. Do your own research

2. Consider your storage space needs

3. Decide whether graphics are important or not

4. Find out what programs and software you will need to use

5. Ask older students about their experience

Buy Second Hand

In many instances, there is no need to buy brand new items as a student. From textbooks to technology, purchasing secondhand can save you a lot of money and encourages a circular economy. Why introduce more ‘stuff’ when you can give perfectly good items a second life? Here are some student necessities that you can easily find preloved.

Textbooks

If you need to purchase physical books, consider researching to see if your school hosts any book sale events. You can also try local bookstores, thrift shops, or textbook selling groups on social media.

Laptops

Depending on your study needs, you might need the most up-to-date technology, but if not, Hannah made a great point about making the most of existing technology.

I specifically chose a secondhand laptop to maximize the amount of storage space I could get for my money. Since I mainly prefer apple products, I also took into consideration the new ports and chargers that I would have to deal with if I bought a new device. Buying a laptop that was a few years old allowed me to continue to use my exisiting chargers from my past device and make the most out of them.

Supplies

There are so many student necessities you can pick up from the thrift store, or online. Consider checking out your local options before buying things new. A quality backpack, lunchbox, water bottle, office supplies, computer monitors, and desk accessories are all things you can track down pretty easily secondhand.

Presentation Clothes

Oftentimes, students will need a nice outfit or two for presentations. Instead of buying new, consider heading to the thrift store to buy a preloved suit or dress to fill this need. Check out your course requirements at the beginning of the semester. See that you have few presentations throughout? Give yourself time to keep an eye out for something you feel comfortable and confident in. Leaving it to the last minute could cause unnecessary stress when you should be focused on your work.

Bring Your Own Lunch

Staying fueled with good food plays such a huge role in your focus and stamina throughout the school day. Bringing your own food is a great way to ensure you are getting the right nutrients. It will help the environment by preventing extra waste in a quick-serve setting. Get yourself a great set of stackable to-go containers to portion out your meals. I would make sure it is property secure and isolated so you don’t have any bag leakage and can keep your contents warm or cold as needed. The one pictured is from my zero waste shop — it even has a place for your phone on the lid so you can work on self-study or share a video with a friend while you enjoy your lunch!

I think the multi-compartment containers are the best because you can leave one open for the organic and paper waste you come across throughout the day. That way you can make sure the apple core from your morning snack or that napkin you needed at lunch can be disposed of properly when possible instead of going in with landfill trash.

Don’t forget your water bottle! Plastic bottles in vending machines can look tempting on the go. Be sure to include an insolated bottle with a good seal in your bag to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Commute by Public Transportation, Bike or Study Remotely

Travel can have a huge impact on your carbon footprint over time. If you drive to school every day or rely on ridesharing programs, there are definitely a few things you could consider to make your commute more eco-friendly.

Carpool with fellow students

By teaming up with other students, you can reduce the amount of traffic on the roads significantly by not taking your own individual vehicles to school every day. Maybe you can arrange a trip between you and a roommate or a neighbor. Since you will be driving less, you will save on your car’s gas and vehicle maintenance. Even sharing a ride a few times a week can reduce your impact almost in half.

Take public transit

If you live in a medium or large city, you can reduce your travel emissions by taking public transit. Many schools and cities provide student discounts to make them more affordable and appealing to the public. Find out if your school offers discount passes or route maps in its resource center.

Walk or ride a bike

If you live close to your school, an easy way to make your travels more eco-friendly is to use your commute as an opportunity to get some exercise. Switching to walking or biking when possible will lower your transportation costs significantly, and help you take the time to mentally prepare before class and unwind afterward.

Study remotely when possible

The pandemic caused us all to expand the ideas of what we can accomplish when we are in remote areas. Studying at home or at a local library instead of commuting to a distant campus is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. To reduce your dependence on physical attendance, you could also choose to opt for courses that are online.

Connect to Community to Find Second Hand Resources

It is vital to your mental well-being to connect with fellow students at school. You can use these connections to your eco-advantage too. If you want to reduce waste, consider crowdsourcing resources. You can gain valuable insights and tools by connecting with others through lecture notes, workbooks, study guides, and supplies. Make yourself available to offer advice and support to your friends and fellow students, as well!

For example, Hannah is a part of a very small program with only 25 other students. She uses Instagram as a platform to give study tips to fellow students in the medical field and even offers free study and interview resources. In return, some of her classmates offer their organizational skills by reminding her of upcoming assignments, and they can keep one another accountable in their studies.

Advocate for sustainable living and create awareness

A big part of being more eco-friendly is advocating and educating others to spread awareness about climate change and the practical things we can all be doing to ensure a safe future for our home.

Consider getting involved in programs, clubs, or courses offered at your school that discuss environmental and social issues that impact the world around us. Join in (or even host!) clean-up initiatives, volunteer work, and protests for the issues that matter to you most. This will help you develop your community and find your voice to carry throughout your life of green advocacy.

Oh and lastly, be sure you are registered to vote. This is a very important way you can actively advocate for your desire for change. To learn more about the importance of voting and how you can make sure you are registered, visit the Elections Canada Student Vote portal here.