5 things you need to be more sustainable

Simple daily habits that save both the planet and your money

Living sustainably might seem like a lot of work, but it's actually very easy! There are many simple, lasting ways you can make a positive impact while saving money at university.

1. Reusable water bottles & cups

Millions of single-use plastic bottles end up in landfills and oceans every minute, and actually making them takes a lot of fossil fuels. Investing in a good reusable water bottle or cups cuts down on these heavy industrial demands and prevents landfill buildup. Metal water bottles are also great for summer as they keep your water cooler for longer!

2. Reusable shopping bags

I think we've all had that one cupboard that grocery shopping bags get piled into, but it's much more sustainable to get a reusable bag like a tote bag. One reusable bag replaces hundreds of single-use plastic bags, which can take up to 1000 years to break down. Not only that, fewer discarded bags means less plastic pollution in oceans and on land, preventing harm to sea turtles, birds, and other wildlife.

Reusable bags are also strong and sturdy. While they cost a small amount upfront, they eliminate the recurring fee of buying single-use carrier bags. You can always keep one folded up in your everyday bag, as they take up little space, which is a lot better than having a massive collection of plastic pags spiling out of your kitchen cabinet.

Check out our ResLife event where we painted and decorated tote bags for Sustainability Week:

3. Metal straws

Do you remember the "#savetheturtles" movement? Well, the use of plastic straws was heavily involved. Using a metal straw is good because it reduces the waste of disposable plastic straws in landfills and oceans. The stainless steel can be melted down and recycled into new metal products at the end of its life. 

Another good thing about metal straws is that they don't crack or break down like plastic/paper alternatives. The stainless steel is free from harmful chemical toxins like BPA that is found in some plastics, and buying a reusable set means you never need to purchase disposable packs again!

4. Eco-friendly toiletries

When moving to university, some people like to buy a fresh new set of toiletries, such as a new toothbrush, so it's a good time to switch to something more sustainable. 

• Bamboo toothbrush: Its handle is biodegradable and made of bamboo, which avoids harmful pesticides and fertilisers. They also clean your teeth just as well as a plastic manual brush, so you're still cleaning your teeth, but you're also being sustainable!
• Solid shampoo & soap bars: One solid bar replaces multiple plastic bottles of liquid wash and lasts for months. Brands like Faith In Nature are a great plastic-free option.
• Toothpaste tablets: Instead of squeezing paste from a hard-to-recycle plastic tube, you can get chewable solid tablets. You can find these online on Amazon or in stores like Lush.

5. Tupperware & cutlery

Reusable tupperware and cutlery are good because they reduce household waste, save money over time and protect your health by avoiding single-use plastics. These plastics and worn containers can leak harmful chemicals into your food, especially when heated. Upgrading to durable materials like stainless steel or glass ensures a non-toxic surface that doesn't absorb food stains or strange odours.

Buying a solid set of containers and utensils does cost more at the start, but you then stop spending small amounts repeatedly on disposable paper plates, plastic cutlery and single-use bags. These sturdy boxes also make meal prepping easier.

If you want to become a sustainable superhero, check out our page to see more ways you can prevent waste!