Just because your college living space is unsuitable for a federal inmate, (much less two), doesn’t mean you can’t make it green. As summer comes to an end don’t join your college-bound peers in the annual Bed Bath and Beyond scavenger hunt. Do you really need 25 yaffa blocks, or those terry-cloth throw pillows? Avoid useless junk. It will only block the rearview of mom’s station wagon and overcrowd your cell . . . ahem, dorm room.

For small living spaces—and the environment—less is always more. Of course there are a few essentials you’ll need to survive. Sheets, towels, and a desk lamp are necessary, but a mini fridge is indispensable.

Stay tuned! Over the next week I’ll walk you through a comprehensive guide to getting ready for college . . . eco-geek style.

1. Bedding
Whether or not you want to admit (frat boys I’m talking to you) you need sheets. As lazy as you may be, sleeping on a bare mattress is uncomfortable and down right unsanitary. Please buy sheets, but why buy regular sheets when you can buy “interesting sheets” made from eco-conscious fibers such as bamboo and organic cotton.

2. Computer

You can probably get by without one, but don’t count on it. A growing and already quite large number of colleges require students have a personal computer. If you have to get one anyway, why buy anything but Energy Star?

As said in my recent series Back to School Energy Efficient Computers Parts I, II, and III, I’m a big Mac fan. Apple is trumping the computer industry in style, design, and consumer satisfaction—and now environmental initiatives. Designing to minimize environmental impact at all life cycle stages—from materials used, packaging, design and manufacturing to how the product will recycle once you trade it in for a newer model, they certainly get my green thumbs-up.

All Apple computers and displays earn the original (2000) ENERGY STAR® stamp, but just recently Apple Mac and the Apple MacBook Pro have garnered the impressive Energy Star 4.0 certification—the highest possible Energy Star certification. If you’re willing to spend the money on a new computer I highly recommend these two options for your eco-dorm room.

Posted on August 25th, 2007 by Olivia Zaleski