The honest truth is that students are some of the greenest, thriftiest people around. They don’t have much money so how can they have a huge environmental footprint?

If you count yourself one of the ‘greens’, see how many of the following 10 tips you’re already doing. If you’re not already making eco-friendly choices, well, how can we say this nicely: it’s time for an education!

1. Pack light

Before packing up all your belongings in one swoop, take the time to go through your stuff and get rid of everything you don't use or need anymore. You will be glad that you don’t have to move, ship or store unnecessary stuff at the end of the year.

Bubble wrap is no friend to the environment, so pick up used boxes from the grocery or liquor store and use towels or newspaper to cushion your things; or take the communal approach and ask friends and neighbors for their old packing materials. (If you still have a thing for bubble wrap, get your online fix here!

2. Use the used

Sure this may be your first “home away from home” and it may be tempting to decorate with all the coolest new stuff, but what if every student bought new stuff every year? Instead, why not check out great used sources of stuff, like local thrift shops, Kijiji, Craigslist or Freecycle. You’ll be guaranteed to have unique room décor, you’ll definitely save money and you’ll be lessening you impact on the environment at the same time.

Also before you hit the store, do an inventory of school supplies you have from previous years. Most supplies, such as lunch kits and pens, can last more than a year. If you do have to buy new, look for items that are sturdy, long-lasting and contain recycled materials.

3. See the light

Stick with compact fluorescent light bulbs. The newer ones put out great light, use just a trickle of electricity and last for what seems like forever (the time it takes to get a degree?).

4. Less paper = less paper cuts

Do you really need to print out that pdf or can you just bookmark it? Not printing is the best way to save paper, but you can also save a whack of trees by printing on both sides of the page. Save one-sided paper and use the back to print out drafts and other things you don't have to submit.

Many printers have multiple settings for print quality. Use the high quality print setting for final papers and reports, but use the low quality setting for drafts. Using the low quality setting will also save ink!

5. Buy and sell used books

Buying used books is much cheaper and you can avoid the packaging that comes with buying new. To keep your books looking fresh and clean, try wrapping them in old magazines or used gift wrap. When you’re done with them, sell your books online or donate them to local bookstores.

6. Save energy

Install some energy-saving devices and practice good habits to cut your energy use and electricity bill. You know the drill, take shorter hot showers, unplug your phone charger when it’s finished, turn off your lights, look for energy star toasters and microwaves and put electronic devices on a power bar that you can just flick off when you leave the room.

7. Bring your own litter-less lunch

Its easy to fall into the trap of always eating at the cafeteria, but if you bring your own healthy homemade lunches, you might even avoid putting on the freshman 15 pounds.

8. Walk, bike or rollerblade to school

If you live off campus, ride a bike, take the bus or carpool. Many universities offer bus passes at a subsidized cost.

9. Leave em’ hanging

Set up a clothes rack in your closet or bedroom where you can hang up your clothes after washing. Hanging up your clothes will save energy and prevent dreaded wrinkles so you won't have to waste valuable “study” time ironing.

10. Get involved

Last but not least, join your school’s environment club. You can learn a lot about environmental issues through your school’s club. Take part in campus environmental initiatives, meet like-minded people and network to make valuable contacts in the environmental field!