It’s more environmentally friendly to shop for dorm supplies once you’re on campus. Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Goodwill are all within easy reach—and by shopping locally, you not only reduce your carbon footprint by not having boxes shipped, but you’ll save the cost of all that packing material. An added bonus: you’ll have less to unpack.

Chances are it will be hot during Move-in. Don’t buy cases of plastic bottled water. The city of Boston has high-quality drinking water, so bring an eco-friendly reusable water bottle you can keep refilled. Water filtration pitchers, like a Brita, also save space in your mini fridge. Your wallet will thank you as well.

Avoid using plastic utensils and plates. Purchase reusable food containers rather than using foil and plastic wrap, and if you need to use straws, bypass plastic ones and buy silicone or metal straws that can be reused.

Swap out paper napkins and paper towels for reusable cloth products. You’ll save space in your dorm without large rolls and multipacks. It’s another way to save money, too.

Bringing a reusable mug when purchasing coffee on campus will save you $.25 per cup. It adds up. 

Opt for a smart power strip to reduce energy consumption.

If you’re bringing a desk lamp, make sure your bulb is LED.

Invest in a solar-powered charger for your phone and other small electronics.

Lift window shades to let in natural light and switch off overhead lights.

Designate one trash barrel in your room as a recycling bin; it will make it easier to bring recyclables to the designated spot on your floor.

Boston’s recent plastic bag ordinance means you’ll have to pay extra for each shopping bag you use. Bring reusable bags with you when you shop to save money—and the environment.

Don’t shell out big bucks for a personal printer. All dorms have a printer, and BU gives every student a printing allowance.

Purchase bedding made of organic materials such as cotton and bamboo that have been grown without pesticides.

Don’t forget to break down and recycle cardboard boxes at your dorm’s designated recycling area. Find all the recycling spots here.

Close blinds on a hot day to keep your room cool; open blinds on a cold day to let in warmth.

Add a few plants to your room. They improve air quality and have been shown to aid in overall mood and stress levels.

Instead of using a fan, open windows where possible.

Avoid using air fresheners that are loaded with chemicals. Opt instead for a box of baking soda; it’s cost-effective and will absorb odors, especially in your fridge and sink drains.  

Choose environmentally friendly cleaning products and detergents. Find a list of some you might want to keep on hand here.

Walk, take the T, or use a bike to get around campus. Be sure to take advantage of BU’s student discounts for Bluebikes memberships.

Enable power-saving computer settings: have the screen turn off after three minutes, and turn your computer off at night.

Be sure to switch off lights when you leave a room.

Unplug your power cords when they’re not in use. 

Share a fridge with your roommate or use your dorm’s common fridge if there is one, and keep the temperature at 35F. Freezers should be kept at 0F.

Before you throw away clothing, determine if it can be donated to Goodwill. At the end of each semester, sustainability@BU runs a Goodwill Not Landfill drive on campus. 

Avoid food waste by taking only what you’ll eat at the dining halls.

Take shorter, cooler showers.

Washing your clothes in cold water reduces energy use and helps clothes last longer. Try to hold off doing laundry until you have a full load—and air dry on a clothing rack (it’s cheaper, too).