How to Adopt More Eco-Friendly Habits on a Law Student Budget

As a law student, you’re no stranger to the power of small actions making a significant impact. Although the amount of debt incurred along the law school journey may have you considering hanging up your hero hat for a seat at the Big Law table, there are still ways to make a difference. Just as every brief, every case, and every legal argument contributes to the larger pursuit of justice, your everyday choices can help protect and preserve as well.

For instance, you can help your local community and beyond through pro bono projects and clinics. If you are, however, looking for more long-term impacts, adopting a more eco-friendly lifestyle is a great route to take.

So how do you balance an eco-friendly lifestyle while living on a law student budget? It’s actually not that hard once you accept that it doesn’t need to be an all-or-nothing approach. (You can still buy your affordable, non-organic produce and cleaning supplies if that’s what your bank account is telling you to do.)

10 Simple Eco-Friendly Habits to Embrace

• Reduce waste by only grocery shopping with a list and meal plan in mind. No need to buy those tomatoes that will only sit in the back of the fridge until trash day when there’s no meal requiring them.
• How many times have you picked up a few groceries on your way home from a study session? Each plastic bag you use contributes to a growing environmental crisis. Instead, switch to reusable grocery bags. They’re durable, convenient, and a simple way to cut down on plastic waste.
• Packing snacks or lunch for long days at the law library? Ditch the single-use plastic sandwich bags as well and opt for reusable containers. Silicone bags or beeswax wraps are excellent options that keep your food fresh without harming the environment. Bonus, they’ll save you money in the long run.
• Add reusable cutlery to your backpack or lunch bag. That way, you can say no to the plastic forks but still indulge in the free food found around school.

• Trade in your car or frequent Uber rides for public transportation, walking and/or biking whenever possible. The added exercise might help you clear your mind when law school stress creeps in.
• Law students spend long hours studying, with laptops and lights on for extended periods. Instead, use energy-efficient LED bulbs, and remember to turn off your devices and lights when not in use. Consider setting your laptop to energy-saving mode to further reduce your carbon footprint.
• In an era where everything is digital, why not extend that to your notetaking? Apps like OneNote or Evernote make it easy to organize your study materials without the use of paper. Plus, digital notes are searchable, making it easier to find and review information.
• Coffee is a staple for many law students. But those disposable cups add up quickly. Invest in a quality coffee mug or thermos. Many coffee shops even offer discounts for bringing your own cup. Don’t forget to go reusable for water bottles, too.
• Keep your counters and dishes clean without waste. Instead of dish sponges and paper towels, use washable dishcloths and a silicone sponge. As an added perk, you can sanitize your silicone sponge as frequently as you like, so bye-bye germs.
• Many law schools have student organizations focused on environmental issues. Joining one can provide you with a platform to advocate for sustainability within your school and community. It’s also an excellent way to meet like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference.

Make a Lasting Impact

Being eco-friendly as a law student is not just about the actions you take today, but about forming habits that will last a lifetime. As future lawyers and leaders, your commitment to sustainability can inspire others and drive meaningful change.