The new school year is just around the corner, and the Office of Sustainability Initiatives (OSI) is excited to welcome students back to campus for a sustainable, fun, and engaging semester! For new students, the start of the school year may bring a myriad of questions. Which classes should I take? Where are the best dining spots on campus? How will I get involved and find my place at Emory?
And, perhaps most immediately, what should I pack for move-in?
At OSI, we have a few tips and tricks to help you pack that will set you up for a high-quality, low-waste residential experience. See below for recommendations on what to bring, what to leave behind, and when to pause on purchasing.
What to Bring: As you make your packing list, prioritize reusable supplies. Reusable water bottles, dishes, utensils, cloth napkins, and coffee mugs are ideal for reducing waste from snacks and beverages. There are water bottle refill stations throughout campus, and some campus cafes even offer discounts for reusable mugs! For leftover food and to-go snacks, consider bringing glass Tupperware and beeswax wraps as a sustainable alternative to disposable containers and plastic wrap.
To keep your new home clean, bring rags and recycled microfiber cloths in place of paper towels or cleaning wipes. Don’t have any on hand? You can even repurpose old t-shirts as cleaning rags.
Power strips can also be useful additions to your packing list. By plugging your devices into a power strip, you can easily turn off your electronics when they are not in use. This reduces your “phantom load” and can help save energy.
What to leave behind: Generally, try to avoid single-use or disposable products when preparing for the new semester. For example, consider taking digital notes in class to avoid purchasing lots of new notebooks and school supplies. Avoid single-use plastic items especially, including plastic k-cups and red solo cups, opting for compostable or reusable options instead. Choose to pack in suitcases, totes, duffels, baskets, and reusable bins in place of cardboard boxes. You’ll have less trash to manage after moving, and these items can be repurposed for storage once you arrive!
When to pause before purchasing: Having a check-in conversation with your roommate or simply waiting to purchase items until after you move-in can lead to cost savings and reduce waste. For example, connect with your roommates to coordinate bringing cleaning products, furniture, fans, and kitchen supplies to avoid duplicating purchases. Once you coordinate, consider bringing eco-friendly, low-plastic cleaning products when possible. If you are feeling crafty, you can even make your own, sustainable cleaning products!
Plan out your decorations once you’ve arrived in order to see your space and prevent unnecessary purchases. Prioritizing fewer, higher-quality decorations that will last throughout your college experience can reduce waste during your time at Emory. If you do wish to purchase items for your room, consider thrifting/repurposing items rather than buying new decor. You may also opt to bring existing posters, trinkets, and photos that eliminate the need to make new purchases all together.
If you’re new to Atlanta, hold off on buying winter clothes until the seasons start to change. It can be helpful to experience the climate firsthand to determine your preferences for coats, hats, and gloves before purchasing.
How to take care of yourself: Move-in is exciting, but it can also be a stressful and exhausting time. Keep in mind that prioritizing your own and others’ wellbeing is a key aspect of sustainable living. Atlanta can be quite hot in the summer—with August temperatures frequently surpassing ninety degrees Fahrenheit. This can be compounded by high humidity and sun exposure. Remember to dress for the weather, take breaks, maximize your time in the shade or air conditioning, and drink plenty of water out of your reusable water bottle.
Additional considerations: As you start to settle in, there are a few other ways you can continue to make your residential experience greener. Get up to speed on your local waste management options. If you’re on campus, this will involve learning to sort your waste using Emory’s recycling and composting system. If you’re moving off campus, learn about the local recycling and composting options for your location. Off-campus students can also coordinate to replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED light bulbs. Finally, whether you’re stocking a full kitchen or just picking up snacks for your dorm room, take a few moments to meal prep at the start of each week. Planning ahead can help you reduce food waste and costs.
Move-in can be an exciting and overwhelming time. Following these simple tricks can help you start college off on sustainable footing, and, once you’re here, there will be many ways to find your place in sustainability at Emory!