Valkyrie Fall 2018 - Issue 1

What AWASTE
How College Students Can Eliminate Trash
Story by Rosie Powers, Asst. Buzz Edtor
Design by Rachel Summa, Buzz Editor
In early October, the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC) released a report that stated
the earth will reach an unprecedented temperature
by 2030, potentially leading to drought, wildfires
and floods. According to the IPCC, the earth is nearing
a temperature of 1.5 degrees Celsius higher than
preindustrial temperatures, a temperature threshold
scientists have stressed is crucial to stay within.
“Limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius
would require rapid, far-reaching and unprecedented
changes in all aspects of society,” the report states.
This is a call to action. We have to protect our
earth and our resources. This is no longer a plea to
save the planet for future generations; this is a plea
to save the planet for ourselves. 2030 is not far away
at all.
Although it seems almost hopeless, any small
change you can make to reduce your carbon footprint
can help this cause. Do you ever think about
how much waste we create by just going about our
daily lives? There are many ways to reduce waste in
college dorms such as buying bigger bottles, using
tumblers and being conscious about the bags we use
for grocery shopping.
Use Reusable Tumblers
Are you sitting here reading this magazine holding
a plastic cup with some sort of caffeinated
drink in your hand, perhaps a Starbucks coffee?
Admit it, your hand is either burning hot from
that latte or freezing from the frappe you just
ordered. Did you know that Starbucks will give
you a 10 cent discount if you bring in a reusable
tumbler or buy one from their store and use it?
You wouldn’t even feel guilty if you did, as there
is no plastic straw involved.
Use Reusable Plastic Bags
It’s time for your weekly grocery store run to buy
everything possible for the week ahead. You park
your car, shop for everything you need and go
to check out. You want to save the environment,
so you pull out your reusable shopping bags and
help the bagger arrange your groceries into the
bags. As you walk out the door, you feel invigorated.
You didn’t use any plastic bags that could
harm the environment or sea animals.
Buy in bulk
It may be convenient to buy the small versions
of dish soap, drinks, or other necessities; however,
that creates more waste in the dorm from plastic
containers. Having more supplies will also prevent
frequent Wal-Mart runs.
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