New Directions for Eco-Friendly Student Living Not only can you learn about sustainability at university, but you can also put it into practice there. It will have a much larger impact than you realize if you are a mindful consumer and make manageable lifestyle adjustments. Start by cycling to class, reducing your shower time by a few minutes, or recycling in your Fresh student housing. Building a greener future begins with you and the changes you make today.
What is Mindful Consumerism?
Conscious decision-making regarding what, where, and how you buy is encouraged by mindful consumerism. Things like environmental impact and the ethics of production shape those decisions. Making mindful choices around your buying habits helps reduce waste and pollution and challenges the use of unfair labour.
Six Tips for a More Sustainable Student Lifestyle
Choose the Right Student Accommodation
Fresh is committed to reducing our carbon footprint and providing eco-friendly student housing throughout the UK. How? by reducing waste in our student halls, conserving water, and using less energy. Renewably sourcing electricity, using public transport and encouraging biodiversity in student accommodation green spaces are all long-term measures we are taking.
Try shopping secondhand. Textile and clothing production is responsible for over 92 million tons of waste a year, a figure that is steadily climbing. Buying second-hand helps reduce carbon emissions and water waste. The fact that less actual clothing ends up in landfills or incinerators is another major benefit. Apps like Depop and Vinted make buying and selling old clothes easier than ever. Clothes that are practically new can be purchased at great prices! Charity shops are also great places to look for budget-friendly clothes or second-hand furniture. Repurposed furniture is a well-known feature of Oxfam, the Salvation Army, and the British Heart Foundation. Lamps, fridges, mirrors, and other items can be found online or in your neighborhood store. Plus, it’s hard to beat charity shop prices. You’re sure to find a new top or pair of jeans in your budget.
Careful Food Sourcing for a Sustainable Diet
Buy local. Shopping locally reduces CO2 emissions from transporting food or travelling further afield to buy.
Purchase seasonal produce. Seasonal, home-grown produce doesn’t need to be imported. It helps UK farmers and has a much lower carbon footprint. Eat less meat. Producing meat requires land to be repurposed for livestock. This frequently causes pollution and deforestation. More meat production also results in more plastic packaging to keep it fresh and stop it from contaminating other food.
Design Your Store Planning your shop around set weekly meals encourages you to buy what you will use, which helps minimise food waste.
Organic is best. Organic farming employs natural fertilizers and uses fewer synthetic pesticides. That means healthier food and healthier farming practices.
Make Your Own Herbs To begin growing herbs on your kitchen windowsill, you don’t need much space. Low-maintenance herb plants that are happy in a small pot include:
Basil
Parsley
Mint
Chives
Thyme
Sustainable Transportation Options for Students
Cycling and walking Choosing to walk or cycle around your local area is one of the easiest ways to lower your carbon footprint. Cycle lanes and cycle storage are common in city centers and near your university. Your Fresh student accommodation has cycle storage too.
Transport in Public On the mission to hit net zero, using public transport rather than driving is one of the easiest ways to make a difference. Replacing your car journey with a bus trip can reduce CO2 emissions of road users by up to 42% and by an even greater 73% if travelling by train.
As a student, it’s well worth applying for a 16-25 Railcard, which takes 1/3 off your train fares. The savings add up, especially on longer trips across the country. Many local councils also offer subsidised bus fares for students when you present a valid student ID.
Get Involved with Eco-Conscious Student Societies
There are often eco-friendly societies at university for you to get involved in, hosting events like beach cleans and litter pickups in public spaces. They will also host social events, workshops and talks where you can stay informed about how to make a difference within the student community.
Save Energy and Water in Your Student Halls
Turning off your lights and electronics when they’re not in use will help to save electricity every day. Make sure to turn things like phone chargers, laptops and TVs off at the mains, as they still draw electricity when they’re on standby.
Heating your apartment efficiently will also help reduce your energy consumption. Remember to keep your windows closed if you have the heating on and turn down the temperature when you’re not around.
When it comes to saving water, small changes go a long way. Just one minute less in the shower can save up to nine litres of water, so keep your showers short and remember to turn off the tap while you brush your teeth.
A Fresh Approach to Student-Led Sustainability
Caring for the environment isn’t just about living greener; it’s about building a student community that cares as much about the future as you do. The Fresh Be Wellbeing programme is here to help you feel welcome, supported and connected as you start your student adventure. Find out more about our wellness initiatives here.