Earth day is just around the corner, and with that in mind we want to talk about how important it is to reduce your carbon footprint as a student. It isn’t always easy, and it’s hard to see how worthwhile it is when corporations are doing so much damage. But there are little things you can do to make a difference, and you’ll find them below!
Cut down on meat
One big way to lower your carbon emissions is to cut down on the amount of meat you consume. You don’t have to go fully vegan or even vegetarian, but swapping out meat for an alternative for 1-2 meals per week genuinely does have an impact on the size of your personal carbon footprint. The processes used to prepare meat products involve greenhouse emissions which are damaging to the environment. There are so many delicious meals and snacks you can make without involving meat, and they can often work out much cheaper too.
Choose bamboo
If you’re looking to buy new bedding to take with you to uni, as well as a new toothbrush or pyjamas and so on, bamboo is brilliant material to opt for. It requires just one third of the amount of water that cotton does to grow, for example, and the raw material is great for sequestering carbon. This makes it an ideal plant for protecting our planet! As a fabric it is soft, strong and durable – but it makes for really eco-friendly cutlery, toothbrushes, flasks and more!
Avoid taxis
Your student accommodation should be near enough to your lectures and seminars to be able to walk – or there might be public transport options available too. Our Blackfriars Residence in Gloucester has direct bus links to the University of Gloucestershire campuses, for example! The more cars on the road, the worse it is for the environment. You can lower your carbon footprint as a student by not getting a taxi to your lectures or into town, and instead using your feet. The fresh air and exercise is a great way to stay healthy and clear your mind, too, even (or especially) if it’s a hangover tempting you into booking a cab…
Use less water
It might seem really simple, but using less water is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint without doing much of anything. Turn the tap off while you brush your teeth or shave, take shorter showers, report any leaks immediately, and don’t keep refilling the sink as you wash your dishes.
Go digital
Note-taking is a big part of being a student, but if you want to reduce your carbon footprint then try to avoid using paper to do so. If you have a laptop or tablet, find yourself a great notes app (there are plenty of free options available) so you can jot important things down without needing notebooks and files galore. This will help you stay organised and avoid the opportunity to lose your notes, too!
Lowering your carbon footprint as a student is vital to ensure the future you are creating for yourself is a healthy and sustainable one. Our planet needs to thrive in order for you to do so, and these five tips are really helpful at showing you how to do just that.
