Zero waste spring cleaning
Spring is here, and as midterms ramp up, a cluttered space can add to the stress. A quick reset now can make泭鳥棗措梗-棗喝喧泭and finals season way easierwhile also cutting down on waste! Instead of tossing everything in the trash, heres how you can泭declutter, clean and donate more sustainably while making a positive impact on campus.
嗨梗釵梭喝喧喧梗娶勳紳眶泭
Ever find something and think, Why do I even have this? Youre not alone!泭
泭鬼梗梗梯 If its useful, meaningful, or sparks joy, it stays.
泭Get rid of If you dont use it or love it, its time to let go.
泭Maybe Stuck on an item? Ask yourself if youd notice if it were gone. If not, its probably time to say goodbye!
Cleaning Your Newly Decluttered Space
Now that your space is clear, its time to freshen it upwithout harming the planet.
- Ditch disposable wipes Use cloths made from cotton, hemp, or bamboo instead of microfiber, which sheds plastic into waterways. You can also stop by the ECenter and grab some off cuts from upcycled T-shirts! While you are around, make a reusable T-Shirt bag!
- Choose eco-friendly cleaners Look for泭biodegradable, refillable, or non-toxic options. Check out Boulders refill stores to cut down on plastic waste!
- Watch out for microplastics Many conventional sponges, cloths, and cleaning products shed tiny plastic fibers. Opt for natural materials when possible.
What to Do with Your "Get Rid Of" Pile
Before tossing items in the trash, check out these easy ways to泭give them a second life:
- Local Online No Buy groups
- Host a Stuff Swap with friends
- Local Thrift Stores Shops like ARES Thrift, Greenwood Wildlife Thrift, and Goodwill accept clothing, accessories, and home goods.
- Campus Group Organized Swaps At this year's 32nd Annual Campus Sustainability Summit, there will be a clothing swap for students to participate in on April 22nd! At the end of the semester, keep an eye out for泭Give & Go Donation Drive and other free exchange events.
- Got broken electronics, scrap metal, or hard-to-recycle items? CHaRM makes sure theyre disposed of responsibly.
Pro tip: Before donating, check with friends or roommatesyour old lamp or extra kitchenware might be exactly what they need! If you are moving out at the end of this semester,泭here is essential information and resources to avoid violating Boulder trash ordinances.
The Bigger Impact: Waste Reduction on Campus
Every year, thousands of pounds of reusable items are thrown away during both泭move-in and at泭Give and Go during move-out. By泭donating, swapping, and making sustainable choices, you help keep valuable resources in circulation and reduce landfill waste.
Take It One Step Further
Want to stay involved? Here are a few easy ways to keep the momentum going:
- Take the Sustainable Buffs Pledge Show your commitment to living more sustainably.
- Learn more about daily actions with the泭Sustainable Buffs Guide.
- Get an Eco-Visit Let CU Boulders sustainability team help you green your space.
Cleaning up doesnt have to mean wastelets泭make it a fresh start for both you and the planet. Happy decluttering, Buffs!