Living in a college town like East Lansing gives us a unique opportunity to lead the way in sustainability. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or an MSU student, Earth Day is on April 22nd and is the perfect time to recommit to our local environment.

Here are 10 ways you can help the Earth right here in East Lansing:

1. Ditch the Plastic Bottle for a Reusable Tumbler

With filtered water stations all over the MSU campus and in public buildings downtown, there’s no reason to buy bottled water. Carrying a high-quality stainless steel tumbler keeps your water cold and prevents hundreds of single-use plastic bottles from ending up in the Granger landfill.

2. Bring Your Own Bag to Meijer or Whole Foods

Plastic bags are a major pollutant in our local trees and waterways. Keep a few reusable totes in your trunk or clipped to your backpack. If you’re shopping at the East Lansing Food Co-op or Meijer, using your own bag is the easiest way to cut down on daily waste.

3. Swap the Commute for the CATA Bus

If you’re traveling between Okemos and downtown EL, skip the car. Taking the CATA (Route 1) significantly reduces your carbon footprint compared to driving alone. Plus, you save yourself the headache of searching for parking in the ramp!

4. Say “No” to Plastic Straws and Utensils

When grabbing takeout from spots like El Azteco or Peanut Barrel, tell them you don’t need the plastic silverware or the straw. Keep a small bamboo or metal utensil set in your bag for eating on the go.

5. Switch to a Reusable Coffee Cup

East Lansing runs on caffeine. Whether you’re at Blue Owl or Foster Coffee Co., ask the barista to put your latte in your own clean travel mug. Many local shops even offer a small discount for bringing your own cup!

6. Shop Secondhand on Michigan Ave

The fashion industry is one of the world’s biggest polluters. Instead of buying “fast fashion” online, check out local thrift stores like Metro Melik’s or the MSU Surplus Store. Buying used keeps items out of the trash and reduces the demand for new manufacturing.

7. Opt for Digital Receipts

Most retailers in the area (like Target or CVS) now offer the option to email your receipt. Say yes to the digital version! Thermal paper receipts aren’t actually recyclable because of the chemical coating (BPA) they contain.

8. Pack a Waste-Free Lunch

If you’re heading to the library or the park, use beeswax wraps instead of plastic cling wrap and reusable silicone bags instead of Ziplocs. It’s a one-time investment that saves you money and reduces plastic waste every single day.

9. Compost Your Food Scraps

Don’t let your leftovers rot in a plastic trash bag where they produce methane. If you don’t have a backyard, look into local composting pick-up services or see if a neighbor with a garden wants your coffee grounds and veggie peels.

10. Turn Off the Lights and Unplug

It sounds old-school, but it works. When you leave your apartment or dorm, flip the switch. Better yet, unplug “vampire” electronics like chargers or toasters when they aren’t in use. East Lansing’s power grid will thank you, and so will your utility bill.

The Big Picture: If every person in East Lansing made just two of these swaps today, we’d prevent thousands of pounds of waste from entering our local environment this year alone.

Happy Earth Day! Let’s keep East Lansing truly green.