Sustainability 101: Green Shopping Tips for your Dorm

Photo: The Jopwell Collection/Unsplash

As students prepare to head off to their college dorm this year, they can take steps to make the experience more eco-friendly. For example, it is important to bring hand-me-downs and reuse items you already have so that you do not produce unnecessary waste. However, if it is time to buy some newer items, there are many businesses selling eco-friendly and sustainable dorm products and décor. Find 10 sustainable product suggestions below to help green your room! 

1. Organic Bedding 

Purchase organic and natural duvets, comforters, sheets, and blankets with the Green Business Network {GBN} member Bed Voyage. The sheets pictured are $42.00 and made of 100% organically grown bamboo. They are also vegan and hypoallergenic. 

$42.00 Bamboo Fitted Sheets

2. 100% Organic Cotton Towels 

When choosing your bath towels, consider shopping at Goodnight Naturals {GBN}. They sell Fair Trade CertifiedTM Coyuchi towels made from 100% organic cotton. Their wash towels are only $8! 

Click here for further towel pricing information  

3. Desk Décor 

Check out some of the vases, desk mates, and pillows at UPAVIM {GBN}. Items are fair trade and handmade by women in Esperanza, Guatemala. They are a great colorful addition to any room.  

$10.00 Owl Deskmate and $10.00 Petite Stoneware Bowl/Saucer 

4. Backpack 

Terra Thread, from the same founder as Gallant International {GBN} sells 100% organic, GOTS certified, and fair trade cotton backpacks and tote bags. They come in 14 different colors and 2 different sizes.  

$65.00 Sustainable Backpacks  

5. Moving Boxes 

Even the materials used to move into your dorm can be green! If you like around NYC, check out Box Up {GBN}. This company allows you to rent moving supplies. Their crates can be reused about 300 times before they are recycled, helping you move without any cardboard waste. 

$98.00 to rent 15 boxes for one week

6. Food Storage 

For students who enjoy to meal prep, leftovers, or simply want food to-go, check out these stainless-steel containers. What’s Good {GBN} sells multiple containers of different sizes, beeswax food wraps, and reusable sandwich bags, making them a great source for green food storage. 

Buy their Square Stainless-Steel containers for $13.98 

7. Posters 

Find a variety of posters perfect for your dorm at Syracuse Cultural Workers {GBN}. Posters are printed on postconsumer waste recycled content and are processed chlorine and dioxin free. They are sold both with frames and without frames.  

$15.00 Make Art Not War Poster

8. Laundry Detergent 

For laundry detergent that is green and chemical free, try Molly’s Suds {GBN}. Their detergent is affordable, vegan, and they work to reduce their carbon footprint in shipping. 

$13.99 Original Unscented Laundry Detergent Powder 70 Loads

9. Office Supplies 

In need of office supplies? Check out Green America’s previous post on the topic for suggestions including index cards, highlighters, binders, and more! Naturally Playful {GBN} is featured, a great option for affordable recycled index cards, paper clips, and other office supplies. 

$1.00 Recycled Paper Clips 

For more tips on green living during college, read through Green America’s post How to Green Your College Experience.