5 Tips to Save the Earth on a Student Budget - World Earth Day 2023

As we commemorate World Earth Day, global focus has been turned to sustainability; how we can take part, even in the littlest of ways, to save the earth for now and for generations to come. As a student at university, have you considered how much you could do to make a change? Here are a few ideas for you to try, to help make a change and even save you some money too!

Reduce Food Waste

It is a proven fact that wasting food is bad for the environment and heavily impacts climate change. Statistics show that we waste about a third of all food produced for human consumption. The wasted food has taken loads of fresh water, land and labour to produce. Over 10 million tonnes of food are binned each year in the UK.

To avoid this, it is always good to plan your meals ahead of time; make a list of everything you will need, find out in what quantities you will need it, and lastly, where to get it from. When you do this, you not only have a plan, but a process through which your meals will be managed from start to finish.

Food

Charity and Second-Hand Shops

Did you know that more than 50% of clothes will be discarded after one year, due to the quickly changing styles? In other words, any clothing you buy today might just be out of fashion in the coming 12 months or less. Dumping each piece after such a short time increases the carbon emissions by at least 10%, and in the long run, this builds up.

Then the big question is, what do we do with clothes that have gone out of style, or we no longer want? Before hitting the mainstream shops for new brands and outfits, why not first check out a few charity shops or other second-hand retailers around. Not only will this save you money, but you will be surprised by what you can find. By donating and buying from second-hand shops, we are increasing the longevity of our clothing and also reducing the carbon emissions that would be used for their disposal.

Charity

Make Walking and Cycling Part of Your Daily Routine

Cars, buses, motorbikes and trains all have their impact on the environment, primarily due to the carbon emissions they create. Walking or cycling are by far the most environmentally friendly ways of getting from one place to another. So, why not try making them part of your daily routine, wherever possible! Walking or cycling will not only save you money on transport fares, but it is great for both your physical and mental health too.

Walking & Cycling

Recycle, Reuse

Although many plastics can be recycled, the majority of our recycling still ends up in landfill. The best way to combat this issue is to buy products that can be recycled properly, composted or are reusable. Using Tupperware instead of foil and cling wrap and buying reusable water bottles and coffee cups will help to reduce the amount of single-use plastic we have to recycle. You can also reuse jars and other pots you buy for food and other storage.

Recycle, Reuse

Speak Out

Another great way to participate in saving the environment is by speaking out and spreading the word. Make people aware of the dangers of their lifestyle to the environment, and add your voice to other like-minded people in creating awareness for environmentally sustainable practices. This won’t cost you a penny and at the same time, you would be rooting for a good cause. Encourage people to act now.

Speak Out

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