As a student, incorporating sustainable practices into your daily routine on top of your university workload and social life can feel challenging. However, small changes can have a significant impact, so whether you’re reducing food waste or shopping second-hand, every action will lead to a more sustainable future.
Here, we’re exploring some practical tips on how you can be a more sustainable student. By making conscious choices, you can contribute to a healthier planet and inspire those around you to do the same, while also saving some money along the way.
Why is sustainability important?
Sustainability is crucial for preserving our world and natural resources for future generations, enhancing our quality of life by reducing pollution and costs. It plays a vital role in addressing environmental challenges, such as climate change, and is essential for ensuring the long-term survival of our planet. Now more than ever, students are making a more conscious effort to be sustainable, so it’s important for you to do your bit!
Seven ways to be a sustainable student
1. Travel and transport
There are lots of things you can do as a student to embrace sustainable travel and reduce your carbon footprint. Opt for walking, cycling, or using public transport to lessen your impact on the environment. If driving is necessary, consider car-sharing with friends to lower the number of vehicles on the road.
Sunderland is a small city, which means our campuses, accommodation, and city centre are all within walking distance of each other. We’re also bike-friendly, with plenty of cycle paths and storage around both the city and the University.
With public transport, our students can benefit from the Tyne and Wear Metro, which has multiple stations around Sunderland. You can also travel for free on the Sunderland Connect 700/701 bus and the SU minibus, making sustainable travel not only better for the planet, but also more affordable for you!
2. Clothing
The fashion industry is a major contributor to climate change, with fast fashion accounting for up to 10% of global carbon dioxide emissions. An easy way to be a more sustainable student is to be mindful of where and how often you’re shopping for clothes.
Take advantage of charity shops and buy second-hand items to keep clothes out of landfill, while also saving yourself some money. Charity shops offer a wide range of other products too, such as furniture, books, and household essentials, making them a great resource for sustainable living.
If you do purchase new clothes, support more ethical fashion brands and invest in higher quality pieces that will last longer. When you’re ready to part with your old clothing, consider donating it to charity or selling it on apps like Vinted and Depop, where you can give your clothes a second life and score some great bargains for yourself at the same time.
3. Food
Another effective way to be a more sustainable student is by reducing food waste and rethinking your eating and shopping habits. In the UK, approximately 9.5 million tonnes of food are thrown away each year, highlighting the substantial influence unused food has on sustainability.
One of the simplest things you can do is only buy what you plan to eat and freeze anything that may be reaching its expiry date – meal prepping can help you with this. Shopping locally is another great option as it supports small businesses and reduces reliance on large supermarkets that often import food from overseas. You can also buy your fruit and vegetables when they’re in season, which benefits local farmers, lowers your carbon footprint, and is more affordable and healthier.
Our other top tips include incorporating more plant-based food into your diet – even having just one meat-free day a week can make a difference. Choose products with eco-friendly packaging to minimise single-use plastic and consider buying dried items like rice and pasta in bulk. You can also use the Too Good to Go app to purchase discounted food from businesses, helping to avoid food waste while saving money.
Read our student food shopping guide for even more tips.
4. Around the house
Making small changes around the house can go a long way in conserving resources, and there are plenty of things you can do to live more sustainably in student accommodation.
Start by properly separating your household waste, recycling what you can, and minimising single-use plastics where possible. Given that the UK discards billions of litres of water each year, you and your housemates can also be more mindful of your water usage by shortening your showers and turning off the tap while brushing your teeth. Remember to switch off lights when leaving a room and unplug electrical appliances, such as phone chargers and laptops, that continue to use energy even when turned off.
For washing and cleaning, you can be a more sustainable student by washing clothes at a lower temperature, using an airer instead of a tumble dryer, and opting for natural cleaning products like baking soda and white wine vinegar.
5. Books and stationery
As a student, buying books, stationery, and other course materials is often unavoidable, but there are several ways you can be more sustainable and cut down on your use of paper and plastic.
Firstly, opt for second-hand books instead of buying them brand new, or participate in book swaps. Charity shops can have a great selection, and websites like eBay, musicMagpie, Oxfam, and World of Books sell used books online. You can also take full advantage of your university library, though this may be challenging when demand for the same books is high.
For notes, consider going digital during lectures to decrease your paper use. If you do require a notebook, choose one made from recycled materials, and buy refillable pens to reduce plastic waste.
6. Reusable products
Investing in reusable products, such as water bottles and coffee cups, is a simple yet effective way of being a more sustainable student. Our campuses are equipped with plenty of water coolers where you can easily refill your bottle, and our cafés offer a 20p discount on hot drinks when you bring your own reusable cup.
Don’t forget to reuse your shopping bags as well, whether it’s a bag for life or a stylish canvas tote. Make it a habit to take one with you every time you head to the shops, as this not only helps reduce waste, but also allows you to avoid the plastic carrier bag charge!
7. Get involved with your university
Our final tip for being a more sustainable student is to get involved with any initiatives your university may be running. Our sustainable community at Sunderland brings together staff and students from all departments who share a passion for actively promoting sustainability.
By joining the group, you can participate in various events and volunteering opportunities, such as litter picking and community gardening, which are regularly advertised on SharePoint and around campus. If you walk or cycle to university, you can also consider joining the Active Travel Group, where you can inspire other students to embrace more sustainable transport options for commuting.
Becoming a more sustainable student is a journey that involves small but meaningful changes in your daily habits, but by making conscious choices, you can substantially lessen your environmental impact. It’s important to continue educating yourself – and your family and friends – so that you can adapt eco-friendly practices to drive a greener future. Read more about how the University of Sunderland is committed to a more sustainable future.
Published: 13 December 2024