Editor’s Note: This article first appeared in the April 22, 2022 flipbook.

Earth Day unites people worldwide in celebration of the modern environmental movement and brings awareness to different ways to protect the Earth against the effects of climate change. Since its inception in 1970, people have celebrated Earth Day annually on April 22. 

The Daily Texan compiled a list of ways students can get involved in sustainability on and off campus and live mindful of their impact on the Earth.

Eat sustainably

Austin boasts a never-ending list of tasty places to explore, and, unbeknownst to some, the city is home to plenty of opportunities to practice sustainability while dining out. Restaurants such as Salty Sow — an American gastropub on Manor Road — and Odd Duck — an American eatery on Lamar Boulevard — serve locally sourced food, making them a worthwhile visit. 

With locations in South and East Austin, Lick It Up serves plant-based Mexican street food that’ll leave the mouth watering days.

For the coffee enthusiasts, visit Juan Pelota Cafe on Nueces Street for an enjoyable cup of farm-sourced coffee and other locally sourced treats.

Participate in a cleanup

Keep Austin Beautiful, a nonprofit service organization founded in 1983, strives to keep Austin clean and educate people on the importance of maintaining the environment for future generations. The organization encourages Austinites to keep their neighborhoods beautiful and trash-free by hosting various cleanups each week. 

Students can even get involved in cleanups to beautify and clean the spaces they inhabit without leaving campus. See a crushed-up water bottle rolling around on Speedway? Recycle it. Small efforts can make a difference over time.

Shop sustainably

The next time you open your wallet for some retail therapy, shop at stores that support sustainable fashion. Check out Raven + Lily on South Congress to browse bags, jewelry and clothes with designs inspired by nature. The female-founded Miranda Bennett Studio makes zero-waste clothing and offers a garment take-back program to recycle used clothing.

For a more cost-effective approach, try thrifting. The eclectic thrifting scene truly embodies Austin, and there are always new and innovative places to check off the list. Located near the UT campus on Guadalupe Street, RagzRevenge sells thrifted vintage clothing from Levi’s jeans to racks of sweatshirts to fulfill college students’ dreams.  

Visit a market place

While hitting the snooze button might seem enticing, start weekend mornings off right at one of Austin’s many farmer’s markets. Located downtown and in Sunset Valley, Sustainable Food Center Farmers’ Market features various small businesses and fresh produce vendors for customers to support every Saturday from 9 a.m to 1 p.m. While shopping, don’t forget to snap some cute pictures to post on Instagram.

Next Sunday afternoon, take a study break to check out Guad Vintage Market from noon to 6 p.m. Located at the corner of Guadalupe and 30th Street, the market offers market-goers the chance to step up their wardrobe through sustainable fashion and accessories.

Use reusable bags

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. generated 4,200,000 tons of plastic bags in 2018 and only recycled 10% of them. It takes hundreds of years for plastic bags to decompose over time, posing a danger to the environment.

As a college student, the weekly H-E-B runs never fail to occur, so next time, remember to bring reusable bags instead of plastic bags to reduce the amount of plastic waste in landfills.