This weekend I started the overwhelming process of packing, and in the process I took the opportunity to re-evaluate every item I was packing up. After the closet debacle, I had already mostly sorted through some of my stuff. So far I have started a pile for donation and given away a few items to my roommates.


While you are packing consider:
1. When was the last time I used or wore this? If it’s more than six months or a year, it’s time for it to move on to someone else.


2. Do I really need this?


3. Does this item take up space or truly add function to my life?


4. If I didn’t have this item, would I miss it two months later? 

It’s almost a week before finals and I am running around like crazy. As soon as work piles up on me I desperately want to reach for the frozen dinners and the bag of chips, but this quick and easy snack keeps me fueled and satisfied even on my busiest days. I get in a serving of veg and some protein all in one go. It only takes 2 minutes to toss together and I love shaking it up in my new jars.


Ingredients:
Prepared edamame
Broccoli Slaw
Vinaigrette dressing


Optional: any other vegetable, dried or fresh fruit, seeds and nuts, and/or really anything else you like.

I am ticking off the day’s until my summer break officially starts, but for everyone else who is already heading out to celebrate here is a quick guide to protecting yourself from the sun.

How to protect yourself without slathering up:

What to watch out for:

9 surprising truths

1. There’s no consensus on whether sunscreens prevent skin cancer.

2. There’s some evidence that sunscreen might increase the risk of the deadliest form of skin cancer in some people.

3. There are more high SPF products than ever before, but no proof that they’re better.

4. Too little sun might be harmful, reducing the body’s vitamin D levels.

5. The common sunscreen ingredient vitamin A may speed the development of cancer.

6. Free radicals and other skin-damaging byproducts of sunscreen.

7. Pick your sunscreen: nanomaterials or potential hormone disruptors.

8. Europe has better sunscreens (and more options)

9. The 34th summer in a row without final U.S. sunscreen safety regulations.

I went to the farmers’ market near campus today to get some fresh fruits and veggies. I’m going to miss how close the market is when I have to move home for the summer, but for now I’m going to enjoy all of the fresh, in season fruits and vegetables. 

 I can’t wait to cook it all up, especially my purple cauliflower!

There are only 21 days until summer vacation (not that I’m counting), and I am already starting to dread moving out. 


I feel like every year I accumulate more stuff, and the thought of having to move out this year is frightening. But there are ways to cut down on the amount of things you have to pack and to make moving more sustainable. 


The biggest factor in making move-out tolerable is planning ahead. Shoving things into boxes and every available space in your car the day of move out is not only stressful, but it often means throwing things out or ruining your stuff in the process. Make a plan at least a week before of what you need to pack and strategize your attack. 


To make moving out more sustainable, be sure to reuse boxes or use reusable containers to move. I have started to collect a few big boxes that I will start to fill in the coming weeks, and everything else will go in milk crates or storage bins that I already own. Good moving boxes can be found all over campus in or around recycling containers. 


When it comes time to actually pack and you are frightened by the hordes of junk (or treasured items if it may be), don’t be afraid to cut back. Donate all of your unwanted clothes and other items that are still usable to the locations in every dorm on campus or to a charity that accepts donations. 


There are also drop-off locations on Santa Clara’s campus for used rugs and electronic waste. However, be sure that you only place broken items that run off of electricity in the e-waste drop off and donate all of your fans, vacuums and other electronic items that still work. 


Once you have donated a few items, your load should be lighter, but it’s still important to pack efficiently and carefully. This is especially important if you are flying home. 


Think back to the countless hours you spent playing Tetris, and try to fit as many items as possible in every box. The more you fit into each box, the fewer boxes you have to carry, and the better it fits into your car. If you have more than will fit in a single carload, consider placing some of your items in storage for the summer instead of using the gas and the time to make multiple trips. You can share storage units with friends to cut the cost. 


Don’t forget to try to pack similar items together and label your boxes to make unpacking quick and easy in the fall.


This article originally ran in The Santa Clara. 

Not only was it printed on easily recyclable paper, but by making it to particular dimensions he eliminated all of the extra waste that comes with store bought wrapping paper. 

Because I currently live in university housing, the decor is unimagined and industrial. My mom found these paper poofs to hang from the ceiling and bring some life and fun to the place. I’m going to move them upstairs and hang them in my room. 

I’m still enjoying the leftovers from the paninis, fresh fruit and vegetables, and dips from the amazing dinner my mom made. All in all it was a great 21st birthday.