At LRFS we are obviously concerned with how we, as students, can do more to help lead the charge towards a sustainable future (as we outlined in one of our most recent posts about sustainable student tips). We have outlined just a few simple and inexpensive swaps that we can make as a community to help the planet everyday. Not only will these swaps make a difference to the planet, but they will end up making our lives easier and less expensive.
Metal Straws
Making the switch to metal straws is not only the right thing to do for both the planet and the turtles, but it's also an absolute lifechanger in the game of beverage consumption. We've all seen that video of the turtle having plastic straws pulled out of his nose, and we've all gone through at least five plastic straws just to drink one Wetherspoons pitcher, so upgrading to metal is an absolute no brainer. They're dishwasher safe, reusable, and don't shrivel up to mush whenever they touch liquid. Their real hidden charm, however, is how they make every sip of iced coffee/gin & tonic/water extra chilled. This is one sustainable swap that doesn't feel anything like a sacrifice: it's an UPGRADE people!
Reusable Water Bottle
If you're a student at any of the Leeds universities, then you will definitely be well acquainted with the reusable bottle hype - and a certain brand in particular. More than just a trendy fad that makes an obnoxious clink after you take a sip in the lecture theatre, reusable water bottles are one of the most helpful swaps you can make. Reducing our reliance on single-use plastics is one small choice that is within our control - we don't have control over the legislation of big governments or procedures of huge corporations, so we have to try and make little efforts that we can control. So, carrying around a reusable water bottle is one of the best ways to stop the cycle of creating and throwing away new plastics. Plus, it will often work out cheaper, as many places now have free water bottle refilling stations, meaning you don't need to shell out on bottles of drink anymore.
Shop second hand
Another easy switch for students to make is to start doing your shopping at second hand stores or charity shops. Not only are they often so much cheaper than buying new from the high street, but their impact on the world is so much more positive. You will often find that student areas are brimming with second hand shops, and you can normally scout some absolute bargains from there thanks to your similarly edgy and very trendy classmates donating their used garms there. Obviously, as LRFS we think that the fashion indsutry could be doing a lot more to help the planet, both in terms of the environment and the people employed to make our garments, so buying second hand is a great way to ensure that you're not wasting material, and you're also supporting ethical practices.
Reusable kitchen roll
This swap is slightly less common, slightly less well known, but equally as beneficial for the planet. Not only does kitchen paper come wrapped in non-recyclable, single use plastic, but each time you use a sheet you throw it immediately away. Enter reusable kitchen roll. Often made out of eco-friendly materials such as bamboo, investing in some reusable kitchen roll means that you can use it, stick it in the wash, and use it again. Often, you can get over 1500 uses from a single sheet of this resuable paper, making it a no-brainer in the battle against waste.
Reusable coffee cup
If you don't already own a resuable coffee cup, you're definitely behind the trend. Not only is this potentially one of the easiest, simplest, and most convenient sustainable student swaps you can make, but it can also benefit your wallet. Many coffee shops, including some of the massive high street chains, incentivise bringing your own cup so as to reduce the number of plastic takeaway cups that get thrown in the bin or on the floor. Not only can it save you money on your average cup of coffee, but it also prevents tonnes of plastic from entering the ecosystem. Even paper or cardboard takeaway cups are coated in a protective layer of plastic that makes them impossible to recycle. Just think about how many cups you get through in a deadline season library study session - bringing a reusable coffee cup would remove one thing to stress about.
Love LRFS x