Earth day & how to be an eco-friendly student

Trying to make sustainable choices can sometimes feel like a struggle. However, becoming a more eco-friendly student doesn't have to be difficult. Keep reading to discover how you can be more eco-friendly as a student.

How to be an eco-friendly student

It’s not easy being green. Trying to make sustainable choices can sometimes feel like a struggle. However, it needn’t be difficult to become more eco-friendly as a student. With just a few minor tweaks and plenty of encouragement from your fellow students, leading a sustainable lifestyle at university can be easy. Keep reading to discover how you can be more eco-friendly as a student.

• Sustainable living: what does it mean?

• Earth Day 2024

• How to take part in Earth Day

• 10 easy sustainable lifestyle changes for students

• Sustainability at Unite Students

Sustainable living: what does it mean?

Sustainable living means living in a way that reduces carbon emissions and waste, with the aim of minimising your environmental impact. Things as simple as walking to your lectures and using reusable coffee cups can help you become more eco-friendly as a student. Plus, small changes to the way you treat your environment and consume resources like plastic and water can help you live more sustainably while at university.

Earth Day 2024

Earth Day is an annual event that takes place on 22nd April. The purpose of Earth Day is to create global awareness of the major climate issues that our planet faces. The theme for 2024 is Planet vs Plastics, as EARTHDAY.ORG demands a 60% reduction of plastic manufacturing by 2040.

All over the world, there will be a range of events organised in the spirit of Earth Day. The aim is to both raise awareness and inspire change.

How to take part in Earth Day

There are many ways students can get involved in celebrating Earth Day. Not only is it a global event, but you’ll probably find that your university or student union will be taking part too. Keep an eye out for any events popping up on campus, or ask around in your SU if you want to get involved.

Sign the global plastic treaty

Signing the petition calling for a global plastic treaty for Earth Day 2024 is one of the easiest ways to be a more eco-friendly student. By adding your name to the global plastic treaty, you will be helping to put pressure on the United Nations to commit to a plastic-free future. You can read more about the mission on the Earth Day site, and see how you can help.

Take part in the #PlasticDetoxChallenge

This social media challenge is easy, fun and a great way to participate with your friends and family. Whether you try the challenge for a week, a month or even longer, it’s a great way to make the switch away from single-use plastics and hold yourself accountable. Check out the #PlasticDetoxChallenge and see what you need to do to get started.

Take part in or organise a litter pick

If you really want to get your hands dirty saving the planet, organising a litter pick is an easy and sociable way to clean up the environment. Not only is it a truly selfless act that helps you become a more eco-friendly student, but it’s also a great way to serve your local community. If you don’t know where to begin, look into the Great Global Cleanup organised by the Earth Day campaign.

Volunteer with a conservation charity

There are plenty of nationwide conservation charities that are always looking for volunteers. And there’s never been a better time to sign up and help them in their eco-friendly mission. From local volunteer groups associated with your university to TCV (The Conservation Volunteers), you’ll be able to find a group and a place that suits you. Sign up, celebrate and help out this Earth Day.

10 easy sustainable lifestyle changes for students

Earth Day is a great opportunity to play your part for the environment – but it doesn’t have to stop there. There are lots of small changes you can make as a student to lead a more sustainable life year-round.

Use less plastic

In keeping with the 2024 theme of Earth Day, maybe take some steps to reduce the amount of plastic you use daily. From buying metal straws to finding a local zero-waste shop to stock up on your student essentials can make a huge difference.

There are also plenty of affordable high street options too. For example: swap toiletries made with plastic for shampoo bars, refillable natural deodorant and bamboo toothbrushes. Check out how many simple swaps you can make to help the environment.

Reuse where possible

Reusing things is one of the most effective ways you can be eco-friendly as a student – and it’s cheap as chips! When you buy your uni essentials – like reusable water bottles, lunchboxes and travel mugs, you’re also reducing the amount of single-use plastic you consume. So, don your favourite tote bag and give the container from your post-loan takeaway a new lease of life.

Avoid fast fashion

We all know that fast fashion is an easy fix, but it’s no friend to the planet or the people. Mega savings may be tempting as you try to make your loan stretch. But there are other sustainable and affordable ways to stay stylish. Thrifting, charity shops and vintage sales are everywhere and offer much more eco-friendly alternatives to fast fashion.

You may even find that your student union offers a fashion swap shop or upcycling session to exchange garments and reinvigorate your old ones. Plus, for graduation and other special occasions, there are a host of apps like Hurr Collective and Hirestreet that offer fashion rental services to minimise waste.

Use green transport

Cycling, walking and taking public transport is an easy way to reduce your carbon footprint. Plus, let’s face it, it’s much cheaper than taking taxis all over the city. Whether you take a leisurely stroll to your seminars in the summer or hop on the night bus home, each choice you make to avoid cars is a gift to the planet. And your wallet.

Eat fruit and vegetables when they’re in season

You’d be surprised at just how many air miles your produce racks up when you buy out of season. Not only do seasonal fruit and vegetables taste so much better, they support local agriculture and often cost less.

If you’re looking for an easy switch that’s good for your purse and for the planet, head to your nearest market. Start scoping out some deals on delicious, seasonal produce.

Eat less meat

Almost 50% of Gen-Z avoid eating meat full-time, with 20% following a “flexitarian” diet. Meat has a higher carbon footprint than plant-based produce, so reducing its consumption even slightly can have a positive impact on the planet.

Plus, if you’re trying to watch the pennies, you may find that alternative plant-based proteins such as chickpeas, lentils and wholegrains are a cheaper alternative.

Choose an eco-friendly laundry setting

Even something as simple as tweaking your laundry routine can help you be more eco-friendly as a student. Whether you’re in the communal laundrette or your final year house, it’s easy to make changes to your detergent and wash settings. To reduce water and electricity, you could try:

• Washing your clothes at 30°

• Using a shorter cycle for light laundry

• Drying clothes outside or on a clothes horse

Recycle where possible

Putting things in the right bins is a simple way to do your bit for the planet. You’re bound to have a recycling service at your halls, and using it right can help keep your flat tidy and sustainable. Plus, most university campuses have recycling bins outside and in the student union for when you’re on the go.

Use the ethical consumer guide

If you’re unsure of how sustainable your favourite products are, the Ethical Consumer Guide is a great resource. From fashion brands to your favourite yoghurt, you can easily check how eco-friendly your go-tos are, and search for more ethical swaps.

Join a green community group or society

If you’re really concerned about the climate, university is the perfect time to join a society or community group. You’ll find plenty of likeminded students and members of the local community who you can join forces with to help the planet.

Whether you want to tidy up your neighbourhood, raise awareness of climate issues, or make campus more eco-friendly, check out what’s available at your student union.

Sustainability at Unite Students

At Unite Students, we’re committed to reaching net zero carbon by 2030 and making our community as socially and environmentally responsible as possible. To learn more about our commitment to sustainability, check out our sustainability page.