How to Be Eco-Friendly As A Student

It’s been a while since I did a post on eco-friendly living. One reason is that I have been focused on wellbeing recently and wanted to share some of my mental health experiences. To be honest though, another reason is that since being back at university, I find it harder to live as sustainably as I did at home. I’m determined to get back on track and work on being more eco-friendly again. There are definitely eco struggles as a student, but here’s what I am currently doing and what I plan to do. So if you want to know how to be eco-friendly as a student, here’s a few ideas to consider.

4 Easy Eco Essentials

I mention this is a lot, but there are 4 super simple sustainable actions that we can all be doing that don’t break the bank. 

The easiest 2 are a) get a reusable water bottle and b) get some reusable bags. You soon save on what you would be spending on endless 10p plastic bags and single-use plastic drinks bottles. Plus, it’s better for the environment.

If you’re a fan of your coffee or tea, then add a reusable coffee cup to the list. You can take your own drink out in the morning or ask cafes to fill up your mug instead of using disposable paper cups. More places are now offering a small discount if you bring your own cup to encourage environmental behaviour.

Last, but not least, bamboo toothbrushes. I know these seem a tad more expensive at first, but I think they last longer and they decompose naturally. While our typical chain stores still need to stock them more, you can order a set of bamboo brushes on Amazon easily.

Food Shop Difficulties as a Student

Something I have found particularly challenging as a student is how to be eco-friendly when it comes to shopping. 

I have a weekly budget for my living costs and to keep costs low for many students, it means shopping in a chain supermarket. 

Single-use plastics and excess packaging are therefore issues.

Lack of Recycling

On campus, there are lots of separate recycling sections as well as general waste bins. However, student accommodation is a different matter, especially when you move from halls to private residences. In my case, there’s only one main bin in the kitchen, so no space for recycling. 

How I’m sorting out the recycling issue

I collect mine in a small bag in my room and take it to the large council bins outside my flat or to a bin on campus.

How to Make Your Food Shop Eco-Friendly… On a Budget

The food shop is probably my biggest issue when it comes to being more sustainable. 

However, I’m setting myself some goals to see if I can be more environmental with my shop and still stick to my student budget.

Buy more loose fruit and veg

Unfortunately not all fruit and veg in supermarkets is loose, but bulkier items such as potatoes, carrots, apples and oranges tend to be available alongside the packaged items. 

Just because you’re not shopping at some sort of independent, organic grocery store in London, don’t hesitate in using those reusable string bags to put loose veg in.

Use zero waste stores for dried goods

Dried goods feature heavily in a student’s diet. I consume a lot of pasta, couscous, etc. when I’m cooking for myself as they are cost effective and have a long shelf life. 

Rather than getting my typical Morrisons or Tesco bag of pasta though, when I next need to stock up, I’m going to use my local zero waste store.

I’m lucky enough to have a small one in my union as well as one in town. Zero waste stores are starting to appear in most towns and cities now, or pop-up markets if there is no permanent shop.

It’s worth researching the closest to you.

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Do you have any tips on how to be eco-friendly as a student? Likewise, is there anything you struggle with? Let me know!

Megan x 

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