Throughout history, college students have been one of the first groups to protest animal rights, political and environmental causes. Documentaries such as Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth” are encouraging many college students to become more aware of Mother Earth and the lengths that need to be taken in order to preserve her beauty and functionality.

“I stopped using my car. I ride my bike to work and school,” senior criminal justice major Rey Devega said. “I’ve been doing it since last year.”

Websites such as smart2begreen.com are attempting to provide ideas on how to be “green” in day-to-day life. The site is free and e-mails a newsletter full of tips. The only concern about daily “green” living is the cost for the starving college student. Many of the website’s tips will have you fork out the green to stay green.

“I recycle every now and again,” freshmen psychology major Phouc Phan said. “I carpool with friends and we wait for each other even though our classes don’t end at the same time.”

Smart2begreen.com recommends using eco-friendly, bamboo-based fabrics instead of energy consuming cottons.

Several website links take you to options for bamboo products. Costco.com offers a $219 bamboo blanket and Target.com lists another one for $109, still not a steal.

If you can only afford Top Ramen and Kraft macaroni and cheese, then how can you possibly afford an overpriced environmentally kind blanket? Most students would be more inclined to freeze.

“I don’t know about spending that much on a blanket,” photography major James Reddington said. “Clothing alternatives would be better. I don’t purchase a lot of blankets.”

Other websites such as treehugger.com promote more realistic ways to make a difference.

The site outlines a Valentine’s Day gift guide with several college-friendly ways to give your honey “green love” without breaking your bank.

They recommend visiting a farmer’s market for organic produce, making homemade Valentine’s Day cards out of scrap paper and magazine clippings, and dining by candlelight for saved energy and sexy mood lighting.

Other affordable options for going “green” and reducing your carbon footprint include driving less, using public transportation and carpooling to school if it’s a must. Unplugging your appliances when they’re not in use also saves the extra energy that’s sucked out when you leave that plug in the outlet.

College students should also consider using energy-efficient light bulbs. They are a tad more expensive, but last longer! That’s a double-win for the environment and your wallet!

Most Sacramento State students spoken with considered preserving the Earth an important thing and did their part to save the environment and, in turn, better the future. However, most students would agree that they’d rather not go broke doing it.

“I buy whatever’s affordable to me as a student,” Devega said. “But being conscious about how it’s made is very important to me too.”