Zero waste spring cleaning
Spring is here, and as midterms ramp up, a cluttered space can add to the stress. A quick reset now can make听尘辞惫别-辞耻迟听and finals season way easier鈥攚hile also cutting down on waste! Instead of tossing everything in the trash, here鈥檚 how you can听declutter, clean and donate more sustainably while making a positive impact on campus.
顿别肠濒耻迟迟别谤颈苍驳听
Ever find something and think, 鈥淲hy do I even have this?鈥 You鈥檙e not alone!听
鉁听碍别别辫 鈥 If it鈥檚 useful, meaningful, or sparks joy, it stays.
鉂屘Get rid of 鈥 If you don鈥檛 use it or love it, it鈥檚 time to let go.
馃听Maybe 鈥 Stuck on an item? Ask yourself if you鈥檇 notice if it were gone. If not, it鈥檚 probably time to say goodbye!
Cleaning Your Newly Decluttered Space
Now that your space is clear, it鈥檚 time to freshen it up鈥攚ithout harming the planet.
- Ditch disposable wipes 鈥 Use cloths made from cotton, hemp, or bamboo instead of microfiber, which sheds plastic into waterways. You can also stop by the ECenter and grab some off cuts from upcycled T-shirts! While you are around, make a reusable T-Shirt bag!
- Choose eco-friendly cleaners 鈥 Look for听biodegradable, refillable, or non-toxic options. Check out Boulder鈥檚 refill stores to cut down on plastic waste!
- Watch out for microplastics 鈥 Many conventional sponges, cloths, and cleaning products shed tiny plastic fibers. Opt for natural materials when possible.
What to Do with Your "Get Rid Of" Pile
Before tossing items in the trash, check out these easy ways to听give them a second life:
- Local Online No Buy groups
- Host a Stuff Swap with friends
- Local Thrift Stores 鈥 Shops like ARES Thrift, Greenwood Wildlife Thrift, and Goodwill accept clothing, accessories, and home goods.
- Campus Group Organized Swaps 鈥 At this year's 32nd Annual Campus Sustainability Summit, there will be a clothing swap for students to participate in on April 22nd! At the end of the semester, keep an eye out for听Give & Go Donation Drive and other free exchange events.
- 鈥 Got broken electronics, scrap metal, or hard-to-recycle items? CHaRM makes sure they鈥檙e disposed of responsibly.
Pro tip: Before donating, check with friends or roommates鈥攜our old lamp or extra kitchenware might be exactly what they need! If you are moving out at the end of this semester,听here is essential information and resources to avoid violating Boulder trash ordinances.
The Bigger Impact: Waste Reduction on Campus
Every year, thousands of pounds of reusable items are thrown away during both听move-in and at听Give and Go during move-out. By听donating, swapping, and making sustainable choices, you help keep valuable resources in circulation and reduce landfill waste.
Take It One Step Further
Want to stay involved? Here are a few easy ways to keep the momentum going:
- Take the Sustainable Buffs Pledge 鈥 Show your commitment to living more sustainably.
- Learn more about daily actions with the听Sustainable Buffs Guide.
- Get an Eco-Visit 鈥 Let 蜜桃传媒破解版下载 sustainability team help you green your space.
Cleaning up doesn鈥檛 have to mean waste鈥攍et鈥檚听make it a fresh start for both you and the planet. Happy decluttering, Buffs!