Seven steps to a greener college move-in

For a greener move-in, pack school supplies and clothes in re-usable storage containers, not boxes.

Students today are more concerned than ever about the environment, but college move-in days typically produce huge piles of trash outside residence halls. With students at Wake Forest and at colleges nationwide moving back to campus this week, Dedee DeLongpré Johnston, Wake Forest’s new director of sustainability, offers some simple suggestions to achieve a “greener” move-in this year:

1. Pack clothes, shoes and sheets in re-usable plastic crates or even pillow cases.

2. Wrap picture frames and other breakables in T-shirts or towels. Sandwich larger items like framed posters between pillows, blankets or comforters.

3. Pack school supplies in re-usable file crates with handles. The crates will come in handy for organizing schoolwork throughout the semester.

4. Contact roommates before packing to avoid unnecessary duplicates like area rugs, tool kits or televisions.

5. Put toiletries in sturdy-handled shower baskets and re-usable zip-top bags, all of which can fit neatly into a laundry basket.

6. Recycle any boxes you do bring on move-in day, especially new product cartons and packaging, by taking them to a designated collection site. Most campuses recycle cardboard, and some collect Styrofoam packaging.

7. Remember to pack enough re-usable water bottles for everyone helping with the move. Move-in day is usually among the hottest of the year.

Categories: Student, Sustainability