Share your Eco-Act Tabulations for the Eco-Passport Program Here!

Thankfully, the world is now digitally focused and your studies can be, too. You’ll save money (and stop wasting paper) on purchasing notebooks and flashcards if you begin to electronically take down what you need to remember in class.

Take reusable bags to the store with you to grocery shop instead of opting for paper or plastic. It’s wasteful and unnecessary- and several bags with every grocery trip can add up to a whole lot of garbage over a lifetime.

Reuse old water bottles or purchase water bottles that you can refill instead of tossing out a new bottle every time you need to quench your thirst. Its estimated that up to 80 percent of water bottles in the United States never get recycled.

By now, this should be a no-brainer. When you’re able, recycle. Whether it’s paper products, plastics or upcycling old items, it’s important to think about which trash can be saved from a landfill.

When you’re not using appliances or you’re not in a room, turn off lights and other electronics. An easy way to implement this by connecting your electronics to a surge protector and flipping the switch when you leave the room. Bonus: your electric bill will thank you!

Only buy what you actually need. In a consumer culture, it’s easy to fall into overbuying habits. If you only purchase what’s necessary, you’ll not only be going green but saving green as well. If you have the option, borrow items instead of buying them!

In addition to helping you live a healthier lifestyle, trying to cut down on driving can help the environment and save you a lot of gas money as well.

Try to switch your bulbs to energy-efficient compact fluorescent (CFLs) or LED bulbs. Though they may be a little more expensive, it’s worth it because they last longer than regular light bulbs and are very bright so you won’t need to turn on as many lights.

Set your thermostats a few degrees lower or your air conditioner a few degrees higher. You probably won’t notice much of a difference, but the environment will!

Ditch the plastic or paper bags for a reusable one. Instead of aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or sandwich bags, use Tupperware. Use your refillable water bottle to carry your drink for the day.

Raising livestock produces large amounts of greenhouse gases into the environment. Eating less meat- even omitting it from a meal one day a week- can positively influence change. When you do eat meat, look for labels that specify free range, organic and hormone and antibiotic free.

This may mean having to sacrifice certain fruits and vegetables that aren’t currently in season where you live. If it doesn’t grow near you that means a large amount of emissions must go into raising it, collecting it, packaging it, and shipping it.

With millions of beauty products out there, it’s easy to find products in pump sprays as an alternative. Try to look for items with environmentally responsible brand seals.

Turn off water while brushing your teeth and washing your face. In addition, cutting down your shower time can save more water and make a bigger impact than you’d think.

You can get off most unsolicited mail lists simply by calling 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688), Also, elect to browse products or make payments online instead of getting catalogs and bills mailed to your home.