There are a lot of things I always keep in my backpack, but one of the most important is a set of bamboo utensils.

When I decided to live a more sustainable and waste-free lifestyle, I invested in a bamboo utensil set. I realized how many sets of plastic utensils were building up in my backpack and wanted to make a change. After I started making small adjustments, I realized other changes to be more sustainable are possible. Here are five ways to make sustainable switches around campus.

1. Get a reusable utensil set.

My bamboo set has saved me more times than I can count— especially when I forget to pack utensils or campus dining fails to throw them in the bag. The utensils take up almost no space in your bag and all you have to do is remember to wash them.

2. Invest in a reusable water bottle.

From HydroFlasks to Nalgenes and all the ones in between, most people have an emotional support water bottle. These not only help reduce plastic waste, but they can also express who you are with stickers and decorations. When you need to fill up, locate a Weagle Water station which you can find in most buildings on campus. This makes it easy to always have water accessible without buying plastic bottles.

3. Walk, bike, or take the tiger transit.

Auburn is an extremely walkable campus and I enjoy taking a stroll through it. Taking the transit to and from campus helps to reduce emissions and the struggle of finding a place to park. Biking is also a good option to get around Auburn, and there is even a bike map provided by the Auburn University Office of Sustainability. You can access the bike map here.

4. Recycling.  

Making a conscious effort to sort your waste and take it to one of the recycling centers in Auburn is an easy way to begin forming more sustainable habits. University Housing has recycling containers for on-campus residents to ease the sorting process.

5. Reusable grocery bags or totes.

Quick trips to Target and Walmart are in the college student handbook, but we all know that our bag of bags gets full quickly. One way to reduce plastic, and have a fun way to carry around your items, is by acquiring a tote bag. Many stores sell them with designs, but you can even buy plain ones to decorate yourself.

These are just a few things that can help you jumpstart a more sustainable lifestyle. There are some great resources, such as the Office of Sustainability, that provide more information. Be sure to check them out, maybe even get your own set of bamboo utensils, and

Be Well, Auburn.