8 Tips for Sustainably Styling a College Apartment & Dorm on a Budget
Back to that college life and living on campus or in an apartment near by? Or just graduated and starting that first adult job? You can totally decorate sustainably and on a budget.
I started this blog back when I was a sophomore in college. I know what it’s like to be on a budget and trying to find ethical & sustainable home decor. Here are a few tips to help!
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8 Budget-friendly Ways to Decorate Your College Apartment or Dorm Sustainably
Here are a few ways I made my apartment or dorm more eco-conscious while on a college budget!
Shop Secondhand Furniture
When I was living in my apartment during my last two years of school I got SO much furniture from vintage & secondhand shops. Honestly, I had a blast browsing for furniture at these stores.
One of my best pals, Kendal and I, found some good deals. We came out of the secondhand shop and for around $300 total I got a coffee table, dining room set, and bookshelf.
This was a fun and affordable way to furnish my place. All the furniture had character and kept my apartment feeling cozy.
Shop Local Craft Fairs
One of my favorite ways to get find art and furnishings for my apartment is by browsing local craft fairs. I think it’s fun a great way to connect with local artists and small business owners in your area and start you collection of meaningful pieces.
Local prints can be a cheap and easy way to decorate your place. Purchase a small print for around $10, find a frame at a secondhand store, and you’ve got yourself a piece unique to your space.
Bonus tip: If you’re looking for an online option Uproot Design Studio is a sustainable artist that has some amazing prints. You can even use the discount code HONESTCONSUMER for 10% off.
Add Houseplants
Houseplants can be a great way to add some green decor to your space and keep your air clean!
Be sure to choose non-toxic houseplants and be cautious if you have any pets in the house too!
Dive into DIY Projects
DIY projects can be a great way to get creative, bond with your roommates, and create something meaningful for your living space. Consider some crafts with upcycled wine bottle decor, felt garland for your living room, or other fun projects!
Choose Organic Bedding
If you splurge on something….I encourage you to consider organic cotton sheets and sustainable bedding options because you don’t want to be sleeping on toxic materials.
PACT Organic has recently launched a new line of fair trade organic sheets and towels that tend to be more affordable than other brands. And if you sign up for their e-mails they regularly send out discount codes.
Unique Finds on Etsy
When in doubt I always go to Etsy because you can find some great reclaimed wood pieces, unique art, and fun pieces you won’t find anywhere else. This is a great way to shop small and support small business owners who share your values.
Buy from Other Students
If you live in or near a college town try to buy from others who might be moving out. This is an easy way to reuse furniture and make sure it doesn’t end up in a landfill.
Affordable Home Decor
Ethical, sustainable, and fair trade home decor is a great way to add some character to your place. It’s fun to decorate your place with items that share a story and share your values.
When I was in college I found a lot of affordable fair trade home goods on GlobeIn and Ten Thousand Villages. Also check out Uproot Design Studio and Soulflower Print Studio for eco-friendly home decor.
I collected decor from previous travels and secondhand shops too!
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MEET THE AUTHOR
Emily Waddell is the founder of The Honest Consumer. She has always been passionate about business for good and has a Bachelor degree in Social Entrepreneurship. She currently lives in Seattle where she practices imperfect sustainability. When she’s not writing, Emily enjoys supporting small businesses, clean eating, ethical fashion, and practicing slow living.
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