Easy ways Liverpool students can help the environment whilst isolating

Our lives are quite peak right now: Uni work is building up, you can’t have a huge get together with mates to get smashed, your wifi probably keeps crashing daily, and chances are you have a bit of a stroke whenever you see a Zoom link. We’re all just stressed, sad messes probably feeling a bit useless. But wait, you don’t have to feel useless whilst isolating! Every day you can make a conscious effort to stop the planet from being as screwed as our economy.

Environmental issues have been on most students’ radars for a long time now, and even the older generations are finally starting to wake up to it (thanks to David Attenborough). But now that we’re having to spend most of our time indoors, getting up only when the Amazon man arrives, it’s getting more and more difficult to be climate-conscious. So here are some ridiculously easy things that you can do to help the environment (and maybe save a few quid yourself).

Buy Locally

It’s the most stereotypical thing anyone has ever said, but it’s actually so true. Buying from places like the little market stalls near Home Bargains and Lidl not only stops the already rich af companies from getting richer but its also way better for the environment. You reduce your food miles (if it’s local produce then there’s less CO2 going out because of transporting it), it’s fresher so lasts longer (less rotten food going in the bin, hello), and you’re actually helping to protect local land and wildlife from the nasty developers. Plus, the veg is normally a hell of a lot cheaper than regular supermarkets.

Use Ecosia

The easiest thing that you will ever do in your goal to help the environment is to use Ecosia- basically a search engine like Google that donates all its ad-revenue to replanting trees. You do have to make 45 searches for just one tree, but if (like me) you’re a bit of a dumb-ass and need the internet’s help with basically everything, you’ll reach that number in an embarrassingly small amount of time. No sweat.

Use Flora

I see you, scrolling through your socials with your abandoned lecture notes at the end of your bed.

If like me, you have a bit of an issue staying off your phone when you’re supposed to be studying, Flora will change your life. It’s essentially a productivity app that keeps you off your phone for however long you set your timer, only it plants real trees too. Don’t ask me how it works (because I literally have no clue), but if you’re trying to stay off your phone for whatever reason, then you may as well plant some trees while you’re at it.

Invest in a travel mug or reusable water bottle

Honestly, I’m pretty glad we’re all wearing masks rn because otherwise, people would see me snarling at their grim plastic bottles everywhere. Buying a reusable bottle is way cheaper than constantly buying non-recyclable plastic ones, plus you can get some nice (and very affordable) ones off Amazon, TK Maxx, or in plenty of local shops near you. Have fun and get a collection!

Turn off the bloody tap when brushing your teeth

This one really isn’t that hard- you move your hand, you switch off the tap, and that’s that. All good, the Earth is smiling, and therefore so should you.

Go charity shopping (I’m looking at you, Bold Street)

Charity shops may be closed for the next four weeks thanks to this lockdown but don’t forget some thrift stores and charity shops are still selling online. Oxfam has an online shop and you can always install Depop to get second-hand goods.

So, if you’re someone who wonders how to make the most of this time in lockdown and not feel too pressurised to gain some new, unrealistic skill, look no further: You can really really easily help the environment right now. If none of these spark your fancy, go buy a fit vegan or veggie cookbook and that meal is already contributing to saving Earth, nice one.

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