Earth Day may come and go on the calendar, but the habits it encourages can stick around all year, especially on campus, where thousands of small daily choices add up fast. Students and staff have more influence than they might think when it comes to keeping the planet healthy, and a few less-talked-about changes can make a real difference.
One simple idea is to rethink everyday convenience items. Try to reuse as much as you can safely. Instead of buying plastic wrap, use reusable lids, containers, or even a plate to cover leftovers. It seems small, but over time it cuts down a surprising amount of waste. On campus, this can translate to using reusable containers in dorms or break rooms instead of constantly grabbing single-use options.
Another overlooked habit is being mindful of “phantom energy.” Many electronics, like chargers, TVs, and gaming systems, use energy even when they’re turned off. Unplugging devices or using a power strip you can switch off when not in use can reduce unnecessary energy use. In dorms or offices where multiple devices are always plugged in, this can quietly lower the campus’s overall energy demand. Not only will this help conserve energy, but it also lowers the risk of accidental fires.
Laundry is another area where students can make a difference. Washing clothes in cold water and letting them air dry, when possible, saves energy and helps clothes last longer. It’s also worth waiting until you have a full load instead of doing multiple small ones. If you find yourself struggling to have a full load, but you want to wash some items, talk to your roommate or friends to see if they have anything to add to make the load bigger.
Food waste is a bigger issue than many people realize. In dining halls or at home, taking only what you’ll eat and going back for more if needed can significantly cut down on waste. A less common tip is to keep a small container for food scraps and look into composting options if available on or near campus. Even if formal composting isn’t widespread, being aware of food waste is the first step to reducing it. Not only will this help cut back on food waste, but the trash bag will last longer before needing to throw it out.
Students and staff can also rethink how they use paper. Instead of just recycling, try reducing usage altogether. Taking notes digitally, printing double-sided when necessary, and reusing scrap paper for rough work can cut down demand. Even something as simple as opting out of unnecessary printed receipts or flyers helps reduce waste that often gets overlooked.
Transportation choices matter too, but beyond the obvious (like walking or biking), consider combining trips. Instead of making multiple short drives throughout the day, plan and group errands together. Carpooling with classmates or coworkers, even occasionally, can also reduce emissions without requiring a full lifestyle change. For UND students, the bus in Grand Forks lets students ride free. Utilizing this can help reduce the amount of pollutants in the air.
Finally, one of the most underrated ways to help the planet is to take care of what you already own. Fast replacement culture creates a lot of waste. Repairing items, buying secondhand, or even swapping clothes and supplies with friends can extend the life of everyday items. On a college campus, where people are constantly moving in and out, there are plenty of opportunities to reuse items instead of replacing them. Project pan, using what you have until it is gone, can be a great way to start this and also help you save some money along the way!
Earth Day is a reminder, not a one-day fix. When students and staff at UND make small, thoughtful changes, especially the less obvious ones, they contribute to a healthier campus and a healthier planet. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s consistency. Over time, those small choices start to matter more than you might expect.
Rachel Held is a Dakota Student General Reporter. She can be reached at [email protected].
