Green Living in Student Accommodation: How to Make a Difference on World Earth Day

Today is World Earth Day, an annual event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First held on April 22, 1970, it now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally by Earthday.org including 1 billion people in more than 193 countries. 

As students, it’s easy to find yourselves caught up in the whirlwind of assignments, exams, and social activities. We’ve decided to take this opportunity, As we celebrate World Earth Day, to reflect on how we can make our student accommodation more eco-friendly. Here are some simple yet impactful tips to help you lead a greener lifestyle in your student digs:

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Embrace the mantra of “reduce, reuse, recycle” in your daily routine. Opt for reusable water bottles, coffee cups, and shopping bags to cut down on single-use plastic waste. This year’s World Earth Day’s theme is all about “Planet vs. Plastics. Set up a designated recycling bin in your accommodation and encourage your housemates to sort their waste accordingly.

Conserve Energy

Be mindful of your energy consumption habits. Turn off lights, appliances, and electronics when not in use, and unplug chargers to prevent energy drain. Don’t leave electronics or lights on when not in use.

Minimise Water Usage

Practice water conservation by taking shorter showers and only running the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads. Make sure to report any water leaks to your accommodation provider promptly to prevent water waste.

Choose Sustainable Transportation

Opt for walking, cycling, or using public transportation whenever possible instead of relying on cars or rideshare services. This is nice and easy for us at Urban Student, due to the central locations of our apartments. However, we understand it isn’t easy – not only will you reduce your carbon emissions, but you’ll also save money on fuel and parking fees.

Green Cleaning

Swap out chemical-laden cleaning products for eco-friendly alternatives. Vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice are excellent natural cleaners that are gentle on both your health and the environment.

Adopt Plant-Based Eating

We’re not telling you all to go completely vegan (but if you are, good for you!) Instead, reduce your ecological footprint by incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet. Choose locally sourced, organic produce whenever possible, and minimize food waste by planning meals, storing leftovers, and composting organic scraps. We understand this isn’t easy, especially when adapting to new independent life, cooking, and student budget. But little changes can go a long way, so baby steps work just as well!

Embrace Second-hand Shopping

Furnish your student accommodation sustainably by shopping second-hand for furniture, decor, and clothing. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also divert items from landfills and support the circular economy….and you can get some absolute gems in charity shops!

Get Involved

Join or start a sustainability-focused student group or initiative on campus. Collaborate with your peers to organise events, workshops, and campaigns to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainable living practices. Bristol Young Greens at University of Bristol SU is a good example.

Educate Yourself and Others

Stay informed about environmental issues and educate yourself about sustainable living practices. Share your knowledge and passion for the planet with your friends, family, and classmates, and inspire others to join you in making a positive impact.

This World Earth Day, let’s pledge to make a difference in our student accommodation and beyond. By adopting these eco-friendly habits and encouraging others to do the same, we can create a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.

Published: 22.04.24 by Phoebe Clutton