5 ways to be more sustainable as a student

As world leaders came together at COP27, we’re reminded of the stark reality of the problems our earth is facing. More of us are beginning to think about sustainability and the changes we can make to help. But being sustainable doesn’t necessarily mean you have to make huge changes to your lifestyle. As a student, even if you’re making small changes to your habits, you can contribute a great deal towards protecting our environment. Here are just a few ways I’ve been changing my life to try and be more sustainable without breaking the bank.

Carry a reusable cup/bottle

If there’s one thing that students can’t survive without, it’s coffee. Whether it’s studying in the library or an early morning class, we end up making several coffee runs throughout the day. Therefore, it’s a good idea to invest in a reusable coffee cup or mug. Some coffee shops and cafés even give you a discount if you bring your own cup. Similarly, buy a water bottle, instead of running to Tesco every time you feel thirsty and make use of the multiple water taps throughout campus.

Thrifting

Retail therapy is often seen as the solution to life’s many problems big and small. However, the consequences involved tons of clothes ending up in landfill and our closets being full of clothes we don’t end up wearing more than a handful of times. A good way to combat this is to thrift clothes and accessories at your local thrift or charity shops. You could even download apps such as Vinted and Depop, also giving you the option to sell some of your own clothes. Another option is, exchanging clothes with friends and family around you.

Food wastage

Food wastage is an issue not unheard of. Every 2-3 days, my flatmates and I have enough leftover food for me to be able to cook something entirely new out of it. The beauty of leftover food is that you can let your creativity flow. For example, if it’s vegetables you’ve got left, you could add some herbs and spices and use them for sandwiches and wraps. Another way I play my part on combating food waste in the market is to download apps such as Olio and TooGoodToGo. On Olio you can get food basics like bread for free, and food is heavily discounted on TooGoodToGo.

Remember to bring shopping bags

I’ve been carrying my own bags to the supermarket and grocery stories way before I was a student. It’s a habit that my mother instilled in me. Bringing your own bags to do your grocery shopping also reduces the possibility of buying more than you need. I’m constantly reminded that if I buy extra, I’ll need to buy extra plastic bags at the supermarket as well as have to carry it all home. Apart from carrying your own bags, another great investment you could make is buying a pull along shopping trolley. It also makes trips to the supermarket so much more convenient.

Period products

Switching to a menstrual cup has been of the best decisions I could have made for my body, wallet and the environment. I’m a little late to the concept and I’m still not 100% comfortable with it, but I’m getting there. Though, on this point I would say, switching your period products is not always an easy or comfortable choice to make for a lot of women, for several reasons. So, you’re not able to or ready to switch, don’t feel guilty about it at all. There are many other ways you help the environment.