The Iglu Guide | Blog
Attention student eco warriors: How you can help save the planet!
Environmental awareness is at an all-time high, and it impacts nearly every aspect of modern life—including how students live and study. As active supporters of climate action and sustainability, students are in a powerful position to drive change. Universities are also stepping up with initiatives to reduce their carbon footprints. But what can you do as an individual? Here are some simple ways to make a difference and embrace an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Energy use
How does your university generate power? Is solar energy on the agenda? Some universities are embracing their social responsibilities by committing to renewable energy usage. Making small changes to your personal energy usage can also have a big environmental impact. Switch the lights and air-con off when you go out and always let the sun be the first way to heat up your space. Pull on a jumper before you hit the heating button and change over to energy efficient light bulbs. Use lamps rather than overhead lighting, they are more energy-efficient to run and kinder on your bills. Slow up on your water use, keep the showers short, turn the tap off while brushing your teeth and only run washing machines with full loads.
Study habits
Your daily study routine can be more eco-friendly with small changes. Go paperless where possible—take notes digitally and submit assignments electronically. If you prefer writing by hand, use notebooks made from recycled paper. Buy refillable pens instead of single-use plastics. When studying, use natural light during the day, and power down electronics when not in use. Consider borrowing or swapping textbooks instead of buying new ones, and explore second-hand book options.
Transport choices
Travelling enriches our experiences, but we should also consider our carbon footprint before we head off for the weekend. Whether you’re travelling to and from uni or further afield, take a bike or enjoy simply walking in the fresh air. If you are lucky enough to be located close to campus, travelling by foot is the perfect carbon-friendly solution that also gets your heart rate moving as an added healthy bonus.
If you need to use public transport, opt for buses, trains, or trams instead of driving. If car travel is necessary, consider carpooling with friends to cut down on emissions and costs.
Smart recycling
Seemingly basic, but often overlooked, recycling is one of the easiest ways to contribute to sustainability. Bins should be amply provided at university but if there are not enough to meet demand, contact administration to request some more. Consider using recycled products yourself such as notepads and pencils, and encourage your university to subscribe to the same principles. Suggest the appointment of recycling monitors to oversee collections and establish strategies that ensure the principle is embedded and fully supported within the university culture. Extend this behaviour beyond the bins to textbooks and furnishings; re-purposing items is a great way to recycle and reuse.
Reduce plastic use
Ditch single-use plastic bottles and invest in a durable, BPA-free reusable bottle. Most campuses have water refill stations, so there’s no excuse for unnecessary plastic waste. As for your coffee habits, many cafés now offer discount incentives for reusable cups, so you can still get your caffeine fix and save money along the way. Single-use plastic bags are a big issue so be sure to have your reusable shopping bags handy and close by.
Responsible shopping
Fast fashion contributes significantly to landfill waste, so consider swapping clothes with friends or shopping second-hand. Support sustainable brands and choose quality over quantity when buying new items. When grocery shopping, look for locally sourced, in-season produce to reduce your carbon footprint. Avoid overly packaged foods and bring your own containers when buying in bulk. Use eco-friendly cleaning products and toiletries, and support brands that prioritise sustainability.
Eating well, eat sustainably
Eating sustainably doesn’t have to be expensive. Prioritise plant-based meals, as they have a lower environmental impact than meat-heavy diets. Cook in bulk to reduce waste and save money. Plan your meals to avoid food waste, and store leftovers properly. Farmers’ markets and bulk food stores often have budget-friendly options with less packaging. If possible, grow your own herbs or small vegetables in your student accommodation.
Get involved
If you feel your university could do more for the environment, join or start a sustainability club. These groups can advocate for greener campus policies, organise events, and help students make more eco-conscious choices. Collective action leads to meaningful change!
By making small, intentional choices, you can help reduce your environmental impact while saving money and creating a more sustainable student lifestyle.
Photo by Mert Guller on Unsplash
