For most students, winter break is a chance to catch up on TV shows, home cooking and the latest gossip from childhood friends. But it can also be a time for learning more about helping the environment, and taking simple steps to go green during your time off.

With that in mind, here’s eight ways to green your life during winter break:

1. Recycle Your Old Papers

When finals are over, you might wonder when is the next time you’ll even think about microeconomics. However, chances are you have pages of notes from class, not to mention handouts and exams that you aren’t planning to use anymore. Recycle paper using Earth 911.

Also consider reusing some of this paper for friends who will be taking these classes next semester. Your notes and handouts can provide great study guides for other students. The same can be said for textbooks.

2. Green Your Garage

The average garage has about 100 pounds of household hazardous waste (HHW). This can include old electronics, paint, cleaning supplies or car care products, all of which are dangerous to the environment if disposed of improperly. Although there may not be an HHW collection event in your area during winter break, your time off during winter break is a perfect opportunity to start sorting these products.

3. Shop Online

You’ve probably been so busy with school lately that you haven’t found the time to shop for holiday gifts yet. Instead of jumping in the car and consuming energy for your last-minute shopping, consult the Internet for your shopping needs. Most of the stores you would visit will have an online presence.

4. Calculate Your Carbon Footprint

Put your newfound knowledge of statistics and calculus to work without even using a scientific calculator. Your carbon footprint will show you the impact that your daily activities are having on the environment; the EPA has an in-depth program to show your individual and household impact.

5. Do Some Green Reading

There are countless books that cover environmental issues, many of which will be available at your public library (the ultimate resource for reuse). Here’s a list of several books catered toward a student audience. If you’re a first-time voter, read up to learn the background on environmental issues prior to the 2008 election.

6. Check Out E-Textbooks

We’ve already mentioned that paper recycling and reuse is important, but why not reduce your paper consumption in the first place? An eco-friendly alternative is the e-textbook, which takes hundreds of pages and puts them in an electronic format to cut down on tree use. You can find thousands of e-textbooks online, while also reducing the cost you pay at the bookstore.

7. Go Green in Bundles

Winter weather means increased energy use, but an eco-friendly way to keep environmental (and financial) energy costs down this winter is to bundle up. Wear heavy sweaters in the house and a jacket in the car so you don’t have to crank the heat or light a fire. Blankets and hot chocolate are good options as well.

8. Create Green Year Resolutions

Your winter break won’t end until 2008 rolls around, so why not incorporate the environment into your New Year’s resolutions this year? One great idea is to commit to recycling this year, perhaps by setting up a recycling program at school. Your carbon footprint calculation will also come in handy when planning these resolutions.

This story is part of Earth 911’s “Green Eight” series, where we showcase eight ways to green your life in various areas. Click here to see Earth 911’s “Green Eight” archive.