This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
Getting all of your items for your college dorm is low key one of the best parts of going to school! It’s so fun to get settled into your own space and organize it exactly how you want it.
It can be kind of overwhelming when looking at dorm packing lists and wondering what you actually need and will use. This post covers the top 10 must haves for your college dorm or apartment and best of all, all of the items on this list have the earth in mind!
Being mindful of the products we buy and how much we buy can make more of an impact on the earth than we may realize!
I definitely was not aware of these sustainable items when I was heading to college so I am so excited to be sharing them with you. You will be all set with your college essentials but the eco friendly version!
This post was is all about the best sustainable products for your college dorm or apartment.
How to reduce your carbon footprint as a college student?
- Skip new clothes and try to thrift clothes, buy secondhand, and choose organic materials like organic cotton.
- Prioritize using reusable containers (like stainless steel) rather than single-use plastics
- Make shopping lists for the grocery store to reduce food waste
- Bike to and from residence halls, classes, jobs etc. Choose public transportation over driving.a car.
- When dorm shopping, only buy what you need and don’t overbuy
- Locate spots where waste disposal is kept (recycling bin, compost bin & trash cans on campus) so you know the right places to dispose of items.
The Best Eco-Friendly Dorm Essentials
1. Stasher bags
I am seriously obsessed with Stasher bags! You can use them for so many different things and they save so much money.
If you haven’t heard of them, Stashers are a silicone bag that you can use in place of ziploc bags. After using them you can wash them out by hand (or in your dishwasher!) and reuse them again and again.
They are perfect for your college dorm because you can store food in them for snacks on the go or even use them to organize school supplies.
Cutting out plastic bags is a great way to reduce your plastic waste and save some money on supplies! Skip the single-use plastic bags and go with these!
2. Second hand items for dorm decor and furniture
It is wild how much you can find at thrift shops or from Facebook Marketplace! Seriously anything from furniture to lamps and even notebooks can be found at the thrift store.
Another option is to ask your friends and family if they have any furniture, organizational containers or decor they are not using anymore.
Lastly, checking the dumpsters or dorm halls at the end of the semester is a great way to score good (sometimes brand new) items!
3. Tote bag for grocery shopping
Tote bags are a must in college. They are great for groceries, hauling all your stuff around campus or even heading to the gym!
Tote bags can be reused lots of times and you will never need a plastic grocery bag again!
If you want something more comfortable for your back, consider checking out sustainable backpacks from Terra Thread.
Plus, a lot of events on campus give away free tote bags which is a great option if you are trying to save money!
{RECOMMENDED POST: Your Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Grocery Shopping}
4. Compost bin
Composting is a great way to divert organic matter from ending up in the landfill. Instead, the nutrients can be used to grow new food!
You may think composting in college would be difficult but I go into full detail about how to make it happen in the blog post here. Check it out! I even offer ideas for if your campus does not have a compost system set up.
5. Reusable water bottle
This is a must have for your dorm and college life. Having a reusable water bottle saves a ton of waste from going to the landfill and will save you money from not having to buy drinks throughout the day!
6. Sustainable shower shoes
One not so glamorous parts of dorm life is the communal shower. I highly suggest picking up a pair of sustainable shower shoes so that you don’t step in anything weird!
Opt for shoes made from recycled material !
7. Laundry detergent
Dropps are hands down my absolute favorite laundry detergent! They use eco friendly materials and come in a convenient laundry pod that you can just throw in the washer.
Instead of having to lug your huge detergent bottle throughout your dorm halls you can just pop a convenient little pod in your hamper!
8. Natural cleaning supplies
There can be so many harmful chemicals in cleaning supplies. Not only are these chemicals bad for your body but also the earth.
Instead, opt for cleaning supplies that have safe ingredients and come in minimal packaging.
Here are some of my favorite brands for earth friendly cleaning supplies:
9. Eco friendly school supplies
There is basically a sustainable swap for all of the products we use including school supplies!
Before going out and buying all new stuff, look around your home to see what you already have. Maybe you only used half of your notebook last semester and you can use the rest for this one! Or maybe an old makeup bag could be used as a pencil bag.
Opting to use what you already have ensures that items don’t go to waste since they still have some life left in them!
If you do need new sustainable school supplies, check out this post I did on just that!
{RECOMMENDED POST: 11 Unique Sustainable Office Supplies for a Greener Workspace}
10. Plant based snacks
Keep your apartment stocked with easy grab and go plant based snacks!
Vegan meals are much better for the planet and can be healthy for you too! No shame towards Oreos or chips because those can be vegan and delicious too. Here are some other ideas for plant based snacks.
Healthy plant based snacks to keep in your dorm room:
- Fruit
- Hummus and veggies
- Popcorn
- Granola bars
- Smoothies
- Granola and dairy free yogurt
- Trail mix
How to make move-in day more sustainable and reduce your environmental impact?
- Carpool with other friends who are going to the same dorm room
- Instead of new cardboard boxes to move your stuff in rent reusable moving boxes
- Be mindful of what is a dorm room essential for YOU, don’t overbuy as things will end up in the landfill if thrown away
- Go to local thrift stores before bigger box stores
- Try to bring as much stuff from home rather than buying all new items. You can redecorate it for your new space
What are some cool sustainable items you will be adding to your college dorm or apartment this year? Did I miss any that you will be bringing with you to college? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below and hopefully it helps other readers as they are packing for school too!
Be sure to sign up for the newsletter if you would like sustainability and wellness tips sent directly to your inbox!
Stay well,
Maggie
This post was all about the best sustainable products for your college dorm or apartment.
Other posts you may like:
- 10 Easy Sustainable Living Tips For College Students
- The 5 Best Sustainable Notebooks For School, Work and Journaling
- 7 Incredibly Helpful Zero Waste Apps to Support Your Sustainable Lifestyle Goals
If you would like to save this post for later-pin it!
