Living off campus puts you in a bubble. You’re sitting on a couch in a house for which you pay low rent, where it may be difficult to see past your own problems. As you sit, the world around you is changing and many students do not realize it but they can easily do their part to help the environment.

Many Binghamton University students get to experience the transition from dorm life to living in an off-campus house. As they make the move off campus, they will face newfound responsibilities. One of those responsibilities that should be on the mind of all students living off campus is how they can do their part to help the environment. With a few simple steps, students can live a green lifestyle and conserve energy.

Recycling is the first step toward a green lifestyle. It just takes a few minutes but once you get into a routine, it should come naturally to you. You can also make some extra cash by returning your beer bottles and cans to local grocery stores.

Morgan Mears, a junior biology major, said she takes recycling very seriously.

“I pick shit out of the trash when I see things that can be recycled on top,” Mears said.

Recycling can even be a productive activity. With some recycled paper and string, you can make a notebook for yourself. By saving old plastic food containers, you can have some homemade Tupperware.

Doing laundry loads with your roommates is a good way to cut down on water and energy use. By just doing one big load of laundry, as opposed to loads divided by color, you can cut down your water use. Also, make sure to wash your clothes in cold water, as this will help to lower your NYSEG bill.

Waste can be a major problem in college houses. Trying to limit your waste consumption will help to make your house greener. It’ll also save you some money on green bags that, as an off-campus resident, you have to buy for your curbside garbage.

Life off campus means no cleaning lady to come in and tidy up your bathrooms; you’re responsible for cleaning up after yourself. Many companies, like Clorox, are now making eco-friendly cleaning products. These products do not have the same harsh chemicals as other cleaners.

Once you leave your house, you should try to maintain your green lifestyle. Carpooling and utilizing public transportation are ways you can continue to do so.

Reusable bags from your local grocery store are a good investment and will limit your waste. Instead of coming home with items in paper and plastic bags, you will have all your goods in a bag that can be used over and over again.

Scott Bromberg, a senior accounting major, said people shouldn’t worry about the amount of green they’re spending on being a little more environmentally green.

“It’s important to be conscious about the environment,” he said. “It’s not a monetary issue but a global issue.”