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While election season is over for now, you can still ‘vote’ for the future you want and get involved with issues that are important to you. Here are some tips on how you can be an advocate for the things you care about.

Borrow before you buy

You may already be saving money by renting textbooks, so why not try renting or borrowing items you may only need one time? Whether it’s tools, formal wear or books, look into local organizations or companies that allow you to borrow or rent before making a purchase. Social media apps can help you borrow things from neighbors and people in your community. You might be surprised how far you get with a “hey does anyone have a _______ I could borrow ?” in a group text. Just make sure to take good care of borrowed goods and return them promptly or the offer may not be extended again.

If you’re leaning towards purchasing an item, try to wait a few days or more before buying. This not only lets you fully evaluate if an item truly fits into your budget and your life, but also gives you time to shop around and find companies whose ethics you support.

Shop your values

Paying attention to what you buy, how it was made and where you’re purchasing it from can make a big impact. If you buy products made from synthetics, look for recycled content when possible in your purchases. This includes items ranging from toilet paper to sneakers and shirts. Fair trade, direct trade and fair trade sewn certifications all ensure that a fair share was paid to those involved in making the products. Buying these types of products from minority-owned businesses or local businesses in your area is a small but meaningful contribution.

Take advantage of automatic offsets 

Carbon offsets pay for avoided carbon emissions by funding projects like forest conservation or renewable energy development (think wind turbines and solar panels). The CU Boulder community can now use UCapture to earn carbon offsets when you shop online for things and services you need. Go to to sign up and install the browser extension, then just shop like normal. There are many discounts available at different retailers that will be applied automatically. If you use the PIPs Rewards app, you can even earn PIPs for those free offsets (just make sure to link your accounts in the app)! There’s nothing better than saving money and the planet at the same time.

Stay informed on sustainability issues

The Environmental Center offers a number of lectures and workshops on a variety of sustainability topics and issues. You can also s to stay up to date on sustainability news and events or take the Sustainable Buffs pledge and you will be automatically subscribed to the newsletter.

Learning to live a more sustainable lifestyle takes practice and knowledge. It is not all or nothing. Continue to learn, connect with resources and consider other changes you could make. You can also get involved through a variety of CU programs with a sustainable mission.

For more information on living a more sustainable lifestyle, visit the Environmental Center’s website.

Sustainable Buffs is a series brought to you by the Environmental Center. Learn more sustainability tips and ways to get involved at colorado.edu/ecenter.