Quick lifestyle changes you can do right now

You might think living sustainably is time-consuming, takes a lot of effort, and costs a fortune. But there are many simple and lasting ways you can make a difference while saving some extra cash at uni.

Here are some tried and tested tips to get you started…

Save water easily

It's easy to waste a lot of water without even realising it, from leaving the tap running while you brush your teeth to taking an extra-long shower after a tiring day at uni.

Most of the time, this isn't necessary, and you can save a lot by shortening your showers, not leaving the tap running while washing dishes, and always putting a full load in the washing machine and dishwasher.

This can also lower your water bills, so you save money while saving the planet!

Shop for pre-loved clothes

You’ll likely want to invest in some new outfits before and during university. Swapping fast fashion for second-hand shopping is a great way to be sustainable and find a good bargain (we actually have an article on this...).

Instead of spending a fortune on designer brands, visit charity shops and websites like Facebook Marketplace, Depop, and Vinted to give clothes a second life (there's always a hidden gem amongst the racks somewhere).

Coordinate your wardrobe with the weather

When it gets cold in winter, it's tempting to crank up the heating all the time. But this can be costly and wasteful. A better option is to wear more layers, put on some cosy socks or slippers, or use a hot water bottle to keep warm.

Make the most of daylight so you can use natural light instead of leaving your lights on all day and night. Only plug in and turn on electrical equipment when you're using it. If you nip out, make sure you turn everything off.

Say NO to single-use plastics

Plastic pollution is a huge problem for the environment, and not all plastics can be recycled. That's why it's better to reduce your use of single-use plastics as much as you can. There are many alternatives that are more eco-friendly and budget-friendly:

• The Ecoegg is a brilliant reusable product designed to replace laundry detergent and fabric conditioner. You can use it for up to 70 washes before needing to refill, saving up to 40 bottles of plastic each year!
• Consider swapping liquid shower gels for block soaps in cardboard packaging and using flannels instead of disposable wipes.
• Other items that can make a big difference are wooden or bamboo toothbrushes, metal straws, and reusable bags, cups, and bottles. Fill up your water bottle from dispensers on campus and get discounts from some cafes if you bring your own coffee cup!

Choose greener ways to travel

Do you usually take the bus or dare I say, an Uber to uni?! If campus is within walking distance from where you live, you could save money and emissions by walking instead. Public transport can also be unreliable sometimes, so walking might be less stressful and more enjoyable (you don't want to miss a lecture because of a traffic jam).

Cycling is another eco-friendly and active way of getting around your city and can even be faster than public transport on busy days. Don’t panic if you don’t have a bike; you can pick up a cheap second-hand one pretty easily. There are plenty of places to securely store your bike on campus as well!

These are just some small changes that can save the environment and save you some money at uni too. Little changes can make a big impact 🌎