Nothing’s greener (or saves more green) than buying from your local craigslist, or Goodwill, Salvation Army, flea markets or yard sales.
That said, here’s a great green shopping guide for Dorm-outfitting College Kids via Ideal Bite.
Why’s this green crap important? Because each generation is supposed to be better than the last. We’re supposed to care more, do things better, exceed our parents in being of benefit to a world in need. Why? Because we have more information and inspiration.
What we’re not supposed to do is leave behind four years’ worth of red solo cups, SUV exhaust, and dumpsters’ full of nearly new clothes, lights, furnishings etc Made in China.
Via Ideal Bite:
- Bean Products Big Bean Chair – filled with recycled Styrofoam, and covered with cotton, denim, or hemp (rather than polyester or other petroleum-based fabrics); comes in 20 colors and the company’ll stitch on a name ($129).
- Green Home LED Desk Lamp Supreme Panel – futuristic-looking, energy-efficient lamp that is wired so that it doesn’t soak up power when it’s turned off but still plugged in ($100). Get 25% off until Sep. 6.
- Mio PaperForms – graphic, 3-D wallpaper made from recycled paper that you hang with double-sided tape, so it’ll easily come off at the end of the school year ($32-$34). Enter the code MIOSAVESGREEN during checkout, and get 15% off any order. Offer ends Aug. 28.
- PBteen – organic cotton sheet sets and duvet covers with cheery prints ($22 and up).
- Container Store Eco-Fabric Open Bins – cotton and recycled polyester, great to use as a more-stylish-than-your-average hamper or storage basket ($13-$15).
- Nikki McClure – striking, colorful message posters printed with veggie inks on 100% recycled paper ($4-$9). Enter the code idealbite10 during checkout, and get 10% off any order.
- Craigslist and Freecycle – find cheap (sometimes even free) used furniture.
- Simple Underlay Slippers – shabby-chic slippers made with natural rubber and water-based glue; two color combos – the soles are sturdy enough to wear anywhere around the residence hall. Guy’s version here($60).
- West Elm Knit Throw Blanket – organic, knit cotton blanket to keep ’em warm during prefinals all-nighters; in four earthy colors ($49).
- American Apparel California Fleece Track Pant – organic cotton pants for lounging with a little style; best for girls ($36); for guys: organic cotton Polo by Ralph Lauren PJ Pant ($35).
- Whole Foods Gift Cards – as long as there’s a WF nearby (check itsstore locator to see), your student can fill up on healthy, organic options when they get tired of the cafeteria food ($20 and up).
- Fandango Bucks and iTunes Gift Cards – give an experience gift like movie tix or credit on iTunes; it won’t cause any waste and gives ’em one more excuse not to study too hard…as if they needed another reason ($10 and up).
- Eggling Crack & Grow Flowers – easy-to-grow plants in egg-shaped pots help suck up indoor pollution – and hardworking brains need fresh air ($9).
- Honest Tea – send organic, biodegradable-bagged tea for a break from Red Bull; we love the Moroccan Mint ($5).
- Dorm Sweet Dorm – preassembled, themed – think cleaning or personal care – packages ($35-$85).
- Throw a batch of homemade organic cookies into the box, and check back later this week for other quick-‘n’-easy organic foods you can send.
- They can always use more soap and shampoo.
- Ideal Bite’s Top 10 Things to Pack for College – eco-options for college staples.
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