As college students prepare to move into their dorm rooms for the upcoming school year, it’s important to consider the impact of their purchasing decisions on the environment. The sustainability manager for outreach and engagement at UVA, Garner, emphasizes the importance of avoiding accumulating items that will go unused and end up in the landfill. With about 20 student interns working on environmentally conscious initiatives, one such initiative is the Green Your Dorm event, which educates first-year students on sustainable habits like washing clothes in cold water.
One often-overlooked sustainability habit is shopping secondhand for dorm necessities and decorations. Garner highlights the wastefulness of seeing perfectly good furniture pieces left by dumpsters at the end of the school year because students can’t take them home. By buying secondhand, students can give these items a second life and reduce waste.
Shopping secondhand is not only environmentally friendly but also financially beneficial. Secondhand goods are typically much cheaper than buying new items, making it a win-win solution. Additionally, supporting small businesses, especially those in the Charlottesville community, is another positive outcome of shopping secondhand.
To help students source secondhand items on a budget, there are various options available. One option is to join student-run group chats on social media platforms like GroupMe. These chats, such as „Things for the Low,“ connect students who are buying and selling goods at affordable prices. By purchasing dorm essentials from fellow students, students can reduce waste and save money.
If students can’t find what they need through group chats, Charlottesville is home to several secondhand stores and consignment boutiques. Stores like Twice Is Nice offer gently used furniture, clothing, jewelry, and home goods at a fraction of the original price. Vintage stores like Arsenic and Old Lace and Neon Soul provide older, reused clothing and accessories, albeit at slightly higher prices.
For students looking for surplus items from the University, UVA’s ReUSE Store is a great option. Located at 580 McCormick Rd., the store sells unclaimed or abandoned items from the University at reduced prices. While not guaranteed to find specific items, checking the ReUSE Store before shopping at big box stores is a step towards a more sustainable lifestyle.
In conclusion, students can make a positive impact on the environment by shopping secondhand for dorm necessities and decorations. By avoiding unnecessary purchases and opting for pre-loved items, students can reduce waste, save money, and support small businesses in the community. Attending events like the Green Your Dorm event can further educate students on sustainable habits and help them create a more eco-friendly living space.