The Hidden Cost of College Student Wastefulness

May 25
04:52

2024

LIE PLIAN

LIE PLIAN

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In today's society, a troubling trend has emerged among college students: the casual disposal of gently used shoes, bags, and other items. This behavior not only reflects a lack of thriftiness but also contributes to environmental waste.

Summary

College students are increasingly discarding gently used items,The Hidden Cost of College Student Wastefulness Articles such as shoes and bags, deeming them as rubbish. This trend highlights a broader issue of wastefulness and lack of thriftiness among the youth. Interviews with students from various universities reveal that many prefer to throw away items rather than sell or donate them. This article delves into the reasons behind this behavior, the financial habits of students, and the impact on the environment. It also explores potential solutions to foster a more sustainable and responsible mindset among young adults.

The Wasteful Trend Among College Students

A recent investigation into the habits of college students revealed a concerning trend: many are discarding gently used items, such as shoes and bags, considering them as rubbish. When asked why they don't sell or donate these items, one student remarked, "It's too much trouble to sell these things for just a few pennies. I'm too lazy to worry about it." This sentiment was echoed by many others, indicating a widespread disregard for the value of their possessions.

Interviews and Findings

Interviews with students from eight universities, including Chongqing University, Chongqing Normal University, and Sichuan Academy of Fine Arts, revealed that the primary reason for discarding items is that they are out of fashion or no longer liked. One student from Sichuan International Studies University stated, "I never buy something just because my old ones are broken. I buy them because I like them, and nothing else."

Financial Habits of Students

A report indicated that most college students' monthly living expenses exceed 2,000 RMB. Among the 40 students interviewed, 15 were boys and 25 were girls. The boys' monthly expenses were estimated to be over 2,000 yuan, with significant portions spent on meals, clothes, and entertainment. Specifically, boys typically allocate 500 yuan to their meal cards, 200 yuan for phone charges, 600 yuan for clothes, and 700 yuan for dining and entertainment. Additionally, birthday gifts for girlfriends can cost up to 500 yuan.

For girls, monthly expenses ranged from 1,800 to 2,200 yuan, with 50% spent on clothes and cosmetics. They typically spend 400 yuan on meal cards, 600 yuan on cosmetics and skincare products, and the remaining amount on additional clothes and cosmetics. If they run out of money, they often turn to their boyfriends for financial support.

The Role of Scavengers

An interesting phenomenon observed during the investigation was the presence of scavengers around almost every school dormitory. These individuals, like Mr. Qiu Shenggui, have been collecting discarded items from students for years. Mr. Qiu, known as the "old man" by students, has been scavenging at Chongqing University for three years, earning over 4,000 yuan per month by selling classified garbage at flea markets.

Parental Awareness and Concerns

Parents are often aware of their children's extravagant behavior but feel powerless to intervene. Many parents and grandparents view their only child as the apple of their eye and are reluctant to impose strict financial limits. Instead, they often practice thriftiness themselves to accommodate their children's spending habits.

Expert Opinions

Professor Zhang from Southwest University noted that the sense of thriftiness among college students has long disappeared. He emphasized that students often fail to understand the hard work their parents put in to support them. Professor Zhang suggested that parents encourage their children to earn money through part-time jobs to help them appreciate the value of money. He also recommended that parents provide only the basic living costs and refrain from giving additional funds.

Conclusion

The wasteful habits of college students not only reflect a lack of financial responsibility but also contribute to environmental waste. By fostering a sense of thriftiness and encouraging students to earn their own money, parents and educators can help instill more responsible and sustainable behaviors in the next generation.

Interesting Statistics

  • According to a study by the National Retail Federation, college students and their families spent an average of $976.78 on back-to-college items in 2020, a significant increase from previous years (source).
  • A survey by the National Association of College Stores found that the average college student spends about $1,240 per year on textbooks and course materials (source).
  • The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that the average American generates about 4.9 pounds of waste per day, with a significant portion coming from discarded clothing and textiles (source).

By addressing these issues, we can work towards a more sustainable and financially responsible future for college students.

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