Dorm Life Gets a Green Makeover

It has often been said that the future of the "green" movement is in the hands of the world's youth. That being the case, are you ready to step up to the challenge? Eco-conscious students just settling in to colleges and universities can outfit their dorm rooms in ways that are environmentally friendly.

Reuse: The first step to being earth-conscious is to limit waste going into landfills. One of the simplest ways to do so is to look for secondhand goods that can get a new lease on life in your dorm room. Search the attic or basement at your parents' home for things that are gathering dust but may work well in your dorm or off-campus housing. It's chic to borrow styles from years past, so those kitschy chairs or funky framed pictures could look fabulous in your space.

Recycle: There are so many manufacturers getting on the green bandwagon these days, making it easier to find products that are made from recycled or all-natural materials. From recycled rubber bulletin boards, to hemp rugs and bamboo sheet sets, buy eco-friendly whenever possible. You can also turn other items that would end up in the trash into great decor for the room. Think about making collages from old magazine pictures. Turn old T-shirts into throw pillows. The ideas are endless.

Unplug: It's hard to live without the electronics you've grown used to. So if you're bringing them along, plug phones, MP3s, and other rechargeable devices into a power strip that you can easily turn off at the touch of a button. This way you're not draining energy when you're not at home.