Part of the green movement has emphasized simplicity so that waste is reduced. Going green as a college student is not only something you may want to do anyway because of your ideals, but it is also a great way to save money.
So what does simplicity mean as a college student? Aren’t you already living pretty simple as it is? Well simplicity means living on the basics. These days we get inundated with commercials trying to tell us that back to college deals are out there. Come to Store X to save on college accessories, come to Store Y to stock up on college necessities. Do I really need a skin for my laptop? Do I really need floor cushions?
I propose ultimate simplicity. If your grandparents didn’t need it when they were in college (or college age) then you definitely don’t need it. In other words, if you can’t fit all your belongings into a car or the back of a pickup truck you have too much stuff.
Think about buying used instead of all new. New stuff is nice, but new stuff is also expensive. You can find good quality items at thrift stores and consignment stores. Try to make your own food (if you live in an apartment) or stick to your meal plan. Eating out all the time is not only unhealthy, but it is costing you money.
Just remember that every dollar you spend on stuff (things you probably won’t have in a year or two anyway) is a dollar you won’t have to pay for tuition, travel, and other more worthwhile experiences.
