10 Ways To Live Sustainably

Are you ready to join the eco-friendly revolution and positively impact our planet? Whether you are a pro or just starting on your sustainable living journey, we've got you covered with our top 10 ways to live sustainably! From reducing waste and conserving energy to choosing eco-friendly products and supporting sustainable brands, we have everything you need to live an eco-friendly lifestyle. Let's dive right in!

10 Ways to Live Sustainably

From reducing waste to conserving energy, we can make many small changes to reduce our environmental impact. Let's explore the ten simple ways to live sustainably.

1. Reduce Waste

As a student living in a dorm, it's easy to accumulate a lot of waste, from disposable plates and cups to excessive packaging from online shopping. Here are some  ways to live sustainably in a student dorm:

• Compost: Check with your dorm's management or your university's sustainability department to see if there's a composting program available.

• Recycling properly: Make sure you are recycling your waste properly by segregating it into recyclable and non-recyclable waste. For example, paper products can ruin a recycling batch entirely. However, it is a common mistake to dispose of paper products with recyclable waste as it is dry waste. If your dorm doesn't have a recycling program, talk to management or your university's sustainability department to see if one can be implemented.

• Reduce single-use items: Avoid using disposable plates, cups, and utensils. Instead, use reusable dishes and silverware. If you need to use disposable items, look for ones made from compostable materials.

• Say no to excessive packaging: A tip for living sustainably is to avoid individually packaged items and choose products that come in bulk or with minimal packaging.

• Donate or sell unwanted items: When you're ready to get rid of items you no longer need, a way to live sustainably is to consider donating them to a local thrift store or selling them online instead of throwing them away.

2. Conserve Energy

Conserving energy is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. Here are some sustainable living tips for students:

• Use energy-efficient appliances:  Another way to live sustainably is when shopping for appliances for your dorm, look for ones that meet energy efficiency standards. Energy-efficient appliances use less energy than traditional ones and can save you money on energy bills.

• Turn off lights and electronics: When you leave your dorm room, turn off the lights and unplug electronics that aren't in use. This includes chargers for your phone or laptop, which still use energy even when they're not actively charging a device.

• Use natural light: A tip for living sustainably is to use natural light instead of turning on lights when studying or hanging out in your dorm room during the day. 

• Take advantage of power strips: Another way to live sustainably is to plug multiple electronics into a power strip and turn off the power strip when you're not using them. This can help reduce "vampire power," which is the energy that electronics use when they're plugged in but not in use, and is also a great organizing hack. 

3. Eat Sustainably

Sustainable living involves choosing foods that are grown and produced in a way that minimises harm to the environment and supports local communities. Here are some sustainable living tips for students:

• Buy local and in-season produce: A  way to live sustainably is by choosing produce that is grown locally and in season reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation and storage. Local produce is found at farmers' markets or through community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs.

• Choose sustainable seafood: Overfishing is a major threat to ocean ecosystems. Look for certified seafood by credible organisations, ensuring that the seafood is produced sustainably and responsibly.

• Minimise food waste: Food waste contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and is a major environmental problem. To live sustainably, plan your meals, store food properly, and use leftovers creatively to minimise waste.

• Bring your reusable containers and utensils: When eating on the go, bring your reusable containers and utensils to reduce waste and avoid using disposable items.

• Grow your food: Have a small herb garden to grow as much food as possible. Find out what kind of plants can be grown in a small space and get to gardening. Vegetables like chillies, tomatoes, and others, along with herbs like coriander, basil, microgreens, and others, are easy to grow even on a balcony! 

4. Use Eco-Friendly Products

As a student, it's important to consider the environmental impact of the products you use on a daily basis. Here are some tips for choosing eco-friendly products for personal care, cleaning, and other household items:

• Look for natural and organic ingredients: Many personal care and cleaning products contain chemicals that can harm the environment and your health. Look for products made with natural and organic ingredients, which are typically safer and more sustainable.

• Choose reusable items: A tip for living sustainably is to choose reusable alternatives like paper towels or plastic water bottles instead of using disposable items like cloth towels and metal water bottles. This reduces waste and saves money in the long run.

• Use biodegradable cleaning products: When it comes to cleaning products, look for biodegradable options that break down naturally in the environment. This can include products like vinegar and baking soda, which can be used for various cleaning tasks.

• Support sustainable brands: Look for brands that prioritise sustainability and ethical practices. This can include brands that use recycled materials, minimise packaging, or donate some of their profits to environmental causes.

5. Choose Sustainable Transportation

Transportation is a major contributor to carbon emissions, and as a student, you can make a difference by choosing sustainable transportation options. Here are some green living hacks for reducing your carbon footprint and getting around with a eco-friendly lifestyle:

• Bike or walk: If possible, consider biking or walking to class or other destinations instead of driving a car. This reduces your carbon emissions, provides exercise, and saves money on gas and parking. Exercising is an essential part of your well-being, so why not take advantage of the student discounts on well-being services for an affordable, eco-friendly lifestyle?

• Use public transportation: Many cities have public transportation options, such as buses, trains, or subways, that can be a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to driving. 

• Carpool: If you do need to use a car, consider carpooling with classmates or friends. This reduces the number of cars on the road and can save money on gas and parking.

• Plan your trips: Plan your trips strategically to reduce the driving you need to do. This can include combining multiple errands into one trip or choosing destinations that are closer to home.

6. Reduce Water Usage

Water is a precious resource, and reducing water usage is important to sustainability. As a student, you can conserve water at home and reduce overall water usage. Here are some green living hacks for reducing water usage:

• Fix leaks: Even small leaks can waste a lot of water over time. Check for leaks in faucets, toilets, and showerheads and repair them promptly.

• Take shorter showers: Taking shorter showers can save a significant amount of water. A tip for living sustainably is to try to limit your showers to five minutes or less and consider turning off the water while you soap up or shampoo.

• Turn off the tap: When brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing dishes, turn off the tap when you're not actively using the water.

• Use a dishwasher: Using a dishwasher can be more water-efficient than washing dishes by hand, as long as you run the dishwasher when it's full.

• Collect and reuse water: When washing fruits and vegetables or boiling pasta, collect the water and use it to water plants or flush the toilet.

7. Buy Secondhand

Buying secondhand is a great way to reduce waste and save money as a student. Instead of always buying new items, consider shopping for used items that are still in good condition. Here are some tips for finding secondhand items:

• Thrift stores: Thrift stores can be a great source of secondhand clothing, furniture, and household items. Look for thrift stores in your area and check back frequently to see what new items have been added.

• Online marketplaces: Secondhand items can be conveniently found on online marketplaces like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace. Be sure to read item descriptions carefully and only buy from reputable sellers. 

• Garage sales and flea markets: These events can be fun ways to find unique secondhand items and meet new people in your community.

• Borrow from friends: If you only need an item for a short period, consider borrowing it from a friend instead of buying it new. 

• Buy refurbished electronics: Instead of always buying brand-new electronics, consider buying refurbished items that have been restored to working condition. 

8. Support Sustainable Brands

As a student, you have the power to make a positive impact by supporting sustainable brands that prioritise environmental and social responsibility. Here are some tips for living sustainably and  finding and supporting sustainable brands:

• Look for certifications: Some certifications, such as Fair Trade or B Corp, indicate that a brand has met specific sustainability standards. Look for these certifications on products and company websites.

• Shop locally: Supporting local businesses can greatly reduce your environmental impact and support your community. Look for locally-made products and support small businesses in your area. 

• Choose quality over quantity: Instead of buying many cheap, disposable items, invest in high-quality items that will last a long time. This can save you money in the long run and reduce waste. You can also check for reliable student services that offer discounts on food and lifestyle services. 

• Support circular economy: Look for brands that use recycled materials or offer take-back programs to recycle their products at the end of their lifecycle.

9. Get Involved

As a student, you can make a big difference by getting involved in sustainability efforts in your community or through activism. Here are some eco-friendly lifestyle tips  to get started:

• Join a sustainability club: Many schools have clubs focused on sustainability or environmental issues. Joining one of these clubs can be a great way to meet like-minded individuals and get involved in sustainability efforts on campus.

• Volunteer for a local organisation: Volunteering for organisations that focus on sustainability and environmental issues in your local community can be a great way to learn more about sustainability.

• Attend sustainability events: Look for sustainability events in your area, such as community cleanups, environmental fairs, or climate strikes. 

• Start a sustainability initiative: Whether it's a composting program in your dorm or a campaign to reduce plastic use on campus, starting a sustainability initiative can be a great way to make a tangible impact and inspire others to get involved.

10. Reduce Meat Consumption

The environmental impact of meat production is significant. The production of meat requires large amounts of water, land, and energy and contributes to deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and water pollution. As a student, you can help reduce the environmental impact of meat production by reducing your meat consumption. Here are some tips:

• Have a few meatless days each week: Try incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet by having a few meatless days each week. Many delicious vegetarian and vegan recipes are available online that can help inspire you.

• Try plant-based protein sources: Many plant-based protein sources can be used as a substitute for meat, such as lentils, beans, tofu, and tempeh. These options are often more sustainable than meat and can be just as delicious.

• Choose sustainably sourced meat: If you do choose to eat meat, look for options that are sustainably sourced and produced. This means choosing grass-fed, hormone-free, and antibiotic-free meat produced with environmentally-friendly farming practices.

• Support local farmers: Consider buying meat from local farmers who use sustainable farming practices. This can help support your local economy and reduce the environmental impact of transporting meat over long distances.

Living sustainably as a student is within your reach and can greatly impact the world around you. By implementing the ten ways discussed in this blog, you can reduce waste, conserve energy, support eco-friendly brands, and make conscious choices that benefit the environment and your well-being. Living sustainably today can shape a better tomorrow for generations to come. Let's be the change we wish to see in the world!