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Eco–Dorm Room Decorating

 



All across the country, parents are packing the car, teens are enjoying their last summer hurrahs, and universities are busy cleaning the dorms. It’s time to send your young adults back to college. They’ve got their own ideas about what’s stylish and (hopefully) a dedication to buying eco-friendly products whenever possible.

Share this list with them of nine ways to send them off with green gear that is as easy on the eye as it is on the environment, and hopefully they’ll be as sold on the products as you are.

DÉCOR

Natural Cotton Bean Bag Ottoman

Filled with recycled foam, this multitasking stool is perfect for propping up your feet while you study, acting as a portable table, or using as an extra seat when an impromptu party erupts in your room.

Get yours for $76

Floral-Pattern Reversible All-Weather Floor Mat

Made from recycled soda bottles by Thai artisans who receive a fair wage for their craft, this fashionable but durable rug will last throughout your college years and still be going strong when you’re ready for your first apartment. 4' x 6'.

Get yours for $39

Water-Powered Clock

What time is it? It’s time to buy this really cool water-powered clock. Make sure you aren’t late for class without drawing any power from the grid. This clock uses tap water for energy — no batteries, cords, or outlets required. How awesome is that?

Get yours for $26


ACCESORIES

Organic Cotton Fireside Throw

It’s the little things that make a dorm room a home, like one of these sumptuously soft throw blankets made from 100% recycled cotton. It will look great draped over the end of your bed, and will make those late night study sessions just a little bit more comfortable.

Get yours for $94

Garbino® Trash Can by Karim Rashid for Umbra®

A nice-looking trash receptacle — especially one in lime green — can instantly brighten up your room. Make your trash, and your room, look better with this design-award winner made from reprocessed polypropylene that is also biodegradable, keeping waste out of landfills as it gathers your waste. In white, black or lime green.

Get yours for $5.99

Eco-Fabric Open Bins

Instead of throwing your stuff on the floor (where IS your floor anyway?), get a few of these open bins so you can just toss your towels, T-shirts, etc. in them and make your room look (sorta) neat with minimal effort. Covered in fabric made from recycled plastic bottles, they let help the environment too, with minimal effort.

Get yours for $9.99 (Small) or $12.99 (Large)


ELECTRONICS

Smart Power Strip

You know you should turn off that power strip whenever you head to class. But you have so many things on your mind (class, parties, tests, parties, parties), how can you make yourself remember to flip the switch? Now you don’t have to remember. This strip lets you plug in a primary device, such as a TV or a computer, and then several secondary devices, such as a DVD player, printer or speakers. When you turn the primary device off, the strip automatically cuts power to all the secondary devices, saving up to 72% of the electricity your systems would use if they were left plugged in to a standard outlet strip.

Get yours for $39

Airpod Mini Air Filter

Does cleaner air make you smarter? Better not take any chances with this petite, chic HEPA air filter that uses less energy than a light bulb to purify the air in a 50-square-foot radius. Comes in white, blue, or black and white damask.

Get yours for $64.99

Solio Solar Charger

Be the envy of all your off-the-grid-wannabe friends with this solar charger. iPod, cell phone, laptop…keep all your gadgets charged, courtesy of the sun. The propeller-inspired design will also add some visual interest to your windowsill.

Get yours for $99


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