Today is the last day of class. Hurray! This means that everyone is studying for final examinations and getting ready to leave campus. This is also the perfect time to spring clean and refresh your room’s mood. As you declutter, chances are you came across a few items unused for months or years. Before throwing them out, consider the following eco-friendly alternatives.
Donate to Move-out Clean Out program: Every year, our team collaborates with Planet Aid to collect unwanted clothing and shoes from students moving out. The program was paused due to Covid-19 last year, but we are excited to bring it back this May. You can basically drop your clothes in the yellow collection boxes and they will be given to charity (Check the poster for details). Giving your clothes a new home is a much better alternative than throwing them out. You are not only diverting waste, but most importantly, making someone’s day.
Sell online: Unfortunately, the donation programs this year are limited to clothing and non-perishable food (UR Food Pantry). So, what do you do with your mini-fridge or microwave? Consider listing them on Facebook Marketplace or eBay. You would be surprised to see how many fellow students would gladly purchase them from you. I personally bought a desk lamp from a graduating senior in 2019 and it’s now one of my favorite stationery items.
Upcycle with creativity: For those items that are unsuitable to sell or donate, consider upcycling. There are plenty of resources on the internet for upcycling ideas. A mere Google or Pinterest search is a good starting point to spark creativity. One of my simplest upcycling hacks is using glass bottles as water containers for pothos.
Recycle: Recycling should be a resort only after considering the options aforementioned. As much as we encourage people to recycle, it is much better to first refuse or reuse. Make sure you abide by the recycling regulations of the University or your respective county if studying remotely.
Hopefully, this guide will help you make better decisions while decluttering this Spring. I wish you all the best for your finals!
Written by Kelly Jean, Class of 2021
Photo by Alyssa Strohmann on Unsplash