How to be eco-friendly as a Nottingham Uni student

For a lot of us, coming to uni was our first chance to actually monitor our usage habits, and for some, it’s not always something to be proud of. I’ll be the first to admit my disposable cup count in first year was… not quite it. But not to fear; here are four ways to easily improve your eco footprint without breaking the student budget.

Secondhand selling is your best friend

I imagine by now we’re all pretty sick of seeing our Halloween costumes in the wardrobe, so getting rid of them might just be the move. But before you chuck it in the bin, just remember; there’s a whole world of secondhand selling out there. You might just be able to get it out of sight and earn a few quid.

Vinted or eBay are certainly good alternatives to throwing your unwanted items out; you’re making sure your old items are getting uses out of them and preventing them from going to landfill. Definitely something I’d recommend for those wanting to clear their wardrobes out.

No more late-night Uber rides

Or even the Uber drives to uni, for that matter. Because let’s face it, we all know that one guy who’ll have a ride booked before the bus is a minute late. But campus isn’t so far away, and there’s a bus line that goes right along it, 24 hours. By getting the bus or walking home, you’re once again reducing emissions while probably gaining a couple of pounds out of it.

And you never know, having to wait for the bus might just mean you get some late-night scran out of it.

Shop local, buy local, live local

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Big chains are always a tempting prospect. They’re everywhere, you know the menu, and they’re easy to agree on with friends. But in and around town, there’s plenty of independent shops and cafés to try out. Often enough, they’re cheaper too.

Another win-win: Independent shops usually have much lower emissions rates than big companies — but you’re also supporting local people, seeing the best parts of Nottingham, and probably saving some money too. While it’s not always possible, it’s always a good way to try to cut your environmental impact. I’d personally recommend the Hockley area if you’re in the mood for a good indie café. So next time you’re out, ditch the corporations for a more sustainable method of shopping.

Reusables? A Godsend

We all know the drill of the 20p charge for takeaway cups by now, but I’m still not certain how many of us that’s actually swaying. Sure, day to day it doesn’t seem like much, but it adds up; trust me, I would know.

And it’s not just coffee: Those plastic water bottles and takeout lunches aren’t the best for our bank accounts or the planet either. My new strategy is two reusable bottles, one for water and one for whatever hot drink strikes my fancy that day. It’s a strategy I have to recommend, I’ve saved so much money because, naturally, I spent a lot on coffee.

While these methods might not be a catch-all or completely foolproof, they are (usually) easier ways to both save money and be a tad more eco-friendly. That’s the best type of life hack in my opinion: Good for you and the environment.