Green your Dorm - Shopping for Eco Healthy School Supplies

Shopping for EcoHealthy supplies for school

by Michelle Bexelius – founder of Eco Remedi

Going to college is an exciting event, a milestone that you have earned, congratulations! Here is a helpful list to make sure your four year stay is a pleasant, healthy, eco friendly one!

Reduce your carbon footprint by: -Taking shorter showers
-Walking/Biking
- Using Compact Fluorescent Lighting -
- Print on both sides of the paper
-Solar charger for your ipod and computer

Moving When packing up your belongings they can use recycled boxes that are used vs. new ones. Used boxes can be found in your own zip code on craigslist.org. Gather your friends and hire a moving company like MoveGreen.

Supplies and Backpacks Use a backpack made from recycled materials and not from PVC. REI has several to choose from and so does greenofficesupply.com, lands end,  hempsisters.com, www.timbuk2.com, www.vulcanabags.com, www.seallinegear.com, and www.targus.com. Recycled paper/notebooks – greenofficesupply.com.

Computers Laptop vs. desktop – laptops use less energy.  http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.showProductGroup&pgw_code=LT

Linens Look for organic cotton or bamboo towels and sheets. Natural fibers are the healthiest choice. Gaiam has sales all the time for sheets as well as Bed Bath and Beyond for pillows. If you can’t bring your own natural latex mattress, opt for an organic cotton or wool mattress cover; it will cut down on off gassing from chemicals like formaldehyde.

Air Quality The air in dorm rooms can be compromised. Choose a quality air purifier that will keep the fresh air coming and illnesses at bay. Here are some affordable ones that you don’t have to change the filter, just clean and they even get rid of pungent smells!

Clothing There are many choices for stylish and comfortable clothing. Target has a new line of organic cotton t-shirts from Mossimo. Shop second hand stores like Buffalo Exchange, they are excellent for trendy clothes to classics. Buy wooden clothes hangers from Ikea, they will last a long time and won’t off gass like plastic ones. Look at bgreenhangers.com or hangernetwork.com as well.

Skin care: Choose skin care and cosmetics without the dirty dozen ingredients. Go to http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com to see if your products are safe. See these guides for safer sun care and which ingredients to avoid, pass it on!

Hair care: Choose eco-friendly dyes when coloring your hair, I remember coloring my hair every other week when I was in college, why not make it safe.

Bath/Shower: Avoid anti bacterial soaps, they harm your liver and make you resistant to antibiotics. Use castile soaps and ones without sodium laurel sulfate and parbens. Same goes for shampoo and conditioner.

Lighting: Use Compact Fluorescent light bulbs for desk lamps. Dispose of them in the hazardous waste facility and when they break, leave the room for 20 minutes then clean up immediately. LED lights are preferable but are on the pricey side. Look for sales.

Laundry: Baskets/Bags – choose a basket that is made from natural fibers or a cotton, Cost Plus have an array to choose from. Use a rack to dry your clothes on and minimize using the dryer.

Detergents: We like Trader Joes, Seventh Generation, Method or BioKleen for your detergents. They are more eco-friendly than conventional ones and the bleach alternatives they
offer are terrific for keeping clothes looking good. Just look for phosphate free. Available at trader joes and target.

Food/Storage: Bring your own bags/totes for lunch and to the market – Make sure those snacks or leftovers are stored in glass or stainless steel not
plastic containers. Include a stainless steel water bottle.

Refrigerator: If keeping a refrigerator in your room, stock it with healthy fresh organic snacks and drinks. Choose an energy star model when looking!

Décor: For posting important information in your dorm room look for natural ones made from cork. – umbra.com

Create a sachet with fresh herbs like lavender or rosemary. Stay away from plug ins or air fresheners, they harm the air and the plug ins cause fires.

Rugs and Curtains Make sure you choose products with natural ingredients and avoid products with fire retardant spray. Rugs, curtains, comforters

Cleaning Products: Look for natural, non-toxic all-purpose cleaners to keep your room looking and smelling fresh. Trader Joes, BioKleen, Seventh Generation and Begley’s are terrific choices. Stay away from bleach, it is harmful for your lungs and the watershed if disposed down the drain.

Easy Tips: Take your shoes off and leave the toxins at the door and shut the lights off when you aren’t in the room.

For more tips on incorporating green into your school, contact michelle@ecoremedi.com to set up an consultation with the school staff.