Socially conscious college

August 31, 6:54 AMDenver Conscious Living ExaminerAbby James

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There are many ways to go green when going to college. First way to save cash and the environment would be to address the necessity of the textbooks. Each student spends an average of $900 per year ob textbooks and in the 4 years of college each student uses about six trees’ worth of paper for textbooks. Your wallet and the trees could be saved by renting books, going for used or buying e-textbooks.

Here are a few options: 

·         Zinio Textbooks - doesn't carry everything, but you can save up to 50% when you choose digital textbooks you read on your computer; and iChapters lets you buy just the chapters you're assigned.

·         BookRenter and Chegg - "rent" textbooks for as little as 40% of what you'd pay to buy 'em; free return shipping. Enter the code 5off during checkout at BookRenter, and get $5 off any rental.

·         Amazon and eCampus - get used textbooks at up to 90% off what you'd pay for new ones.

·         Used Books Buyers at About.com - a list of places to sell books when class is over.

Second way to go green at college, dorm room decorating. Students can deck out their rooms with stuff that saves energy, is made from earth-friendlier materials and looks great.

Here are a few options: 

·         Bean Products Big Bean Chair - filled with recycled Styrofoam, and covered with cotton, denim, or hemp (rather than polyester or other petroleum-based fabrics); comes in 20 colors and the company'll stitch on a name ($129).

·         Green Home LED Desk Lamp Supreme Panel - futuristic-looking, energy-efficient lamp that is wired so that it doesn't soak up power when it's turned off but still plugged in ($100). Get 25% off until Sep. 6.

·         Mio PaperForms - graphic, 3-D wallpaper made from recycled paper that you hang with double-sided tape, so it'll easily come off at the end of the school year ($32-$34). Enter the code MIOSAVESGREEN during checkout, and get 15% off any order. Offer ends Aug. 28.

·         Container Store Eco-Fabric Open Bins - cotton and recycled polyester, great to use as a more-stylish-than-your-average hamper or storage basket ($13-$15).

·         Nikki McClure - striking, colorful message posters printed with veggie inks on 100% recycled paper ($4-$9). Enter the code idealbite10 during checkout, and get 10% off any order.

·         Craigslist and Freecycle - find cheap (sometimes even free) used furniture.

So, send or get sent off in style both personally and environmentally.