How to... be a green student
With university term approaching we look at ways to be an eco-conscious student
Socialising
Start a green group. National organisation People and Planet is an environmental pressure group which helps organise student campaigns for green issues. It provides research, funding, technical support and networking opportunities. The network enables like-minded green students to get in contact and share ideas with people who care about green issues and want to get involved.
There are more than 50 university-based People and Planet groups throughout the UK and the number is rising fast. For tips on setting up and facilitating a green group on campus check, out their website.
Walk or cycle for short journeys. If your campus is close, walk or ride a bike. You’ll get exercise, save money and reduce your carbon emissions.
Eating and drinking
Grow your own vegetables. Whether you have a small piece of garden, a patio or a window box, you can try your hand at being more self-sufficient. Grow what you like to eat and start small with salads. It’ll save you money too – rocket is rarely cheap in the shops but is very easy to cultivate at home.
Share a veg box. If you live in a shared house or halls of residence, club together with friends and buy a local veg box. These schemes can be a cheaper way of buying fresh fruit and vegetables, and will reduce your food miles (the distance your shopping has travelled).
Reuse your water bottle. Don’t keep buying bottled water - buy yourself a re-usable stainless steel water bottle instead.
At home
Share a load. If you live in a shared house, wash on a full load by putting your laundry all in together, rather than half loads separately. Use the shortest one rinse cycle, unless you have a really dirty load, and use environmentally friendly detergent.
Green lights. Check the lightbulbs in your room are energy saving and, if they aren’t, replace them. They last longer than standard ones and use less electricity. And remember to switch the lights off when you leave a room.
Power down. Switch off things like TVs and stereos properly because leaving them on standby still uses energy. And remember to unplug chargers once they have done their job.
Recycle. From drinks cans to ink cartridges, it is important to recycle as much as you can and encourage your flatmates to do the same.
Studying
Computers. To help save energy turn off your computer whenever you aren’t using it and set it to sleep mode when you are away for short periods of time. When you are printing, go for double-sided on recycled or sustainably sourced paper.
Buy used textbooks. One simple way to be green and save money is to buy used textbooks. Look on noticeboards for students selling theirs if there isn’t a secondhand bookshop around, or have a look online.
Buy recycled stationary. You can now get pencils made from plastic cups, notepads from juice cartons and mousemats made from tyres. For inspiration, check out Remarkable’s range, available from Ethical Superstore.
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