Earth Day Every Day: Student Edition – How to Live More Sustainably in Your Student Home
As students, we understand how easy it is to get caught up in the whirlwind of assignments, social gatherings, and the overall chaos that comes with university life. Balancing all of this with the need to live more sustainably can be a struggle. However, with Earth Day approaching, there's no better time to reflect on how we can make a difference in our everyday lives, starting right from Your own Joint homes!
Living sustainably doesn't have to be a daunting task. In fact, small changes in our daily habits can add up to significant environmental benefits. Here are some practical tips for embracing sustainability in your Joint home!
1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: This mantra is more relevant than ever. Before making a purchase, ask yourself if you really need it. If not, consider borrowing from a friend or opting for second-hand items. Whether that’s teaming up with your housemates on weekly shops or actively trying to buy groceries from zero-waste shops, being mindful when doing your weekly shops can make all the difference! When it comes to waste, make sure to separate recyclables from trash and compost organic waste if possible. Remember, every item that gets reused or recycled means less waste heading to the landfill!
2. Energy Efficiency: Be mindful of your energy consumption. Turn off lights, unplug electronics, and use energy-efficient appliances whenever possible. At Joint, we have partnered with a green energy firm and locked in our prices for the next year, so you will never pay any more on top of the bills included in rent price - great for working out your budget and keeping costs down. We are also constantly making improvements to our homes and are proud to say we’ve even increased some of our energy-efficient ratings from an E to a B! Help us to keep our energy consumption down by turning lights and plugs off where you can.
3. Water Conservation: Conserving water is another crucial aspect of sustainable living. Take shorter showers and only run the dishwasher or washing machine with full loads. You can also collect rainwater for watering plants or use a water-saving showerhead to reduce water usage without sacrificing comfort.
4. Sustainable Transportation: If you're able to, opt for walking, biking, or using public transportation instead of driving. Our Brighton houses are all equipped with bike sheds to keep your trusty steeds safe! You can also get a student bus pass for travel around your cities. Not only does this reduce carbon emissions, but it also promotes a healthier lifestyle. If you must drive, consider carpooling with friends or classmates to minimise your environmental footprint.
5. Conscious Consumption: Before purchasing new items, consider the environmental impact of the product. Choose products with minimal packaging, opt for eco-friendly alternatives, and support brands that prioritise sustainability. By making informed purchasing decisions, you can vote with your wallet for a greener future.
6. Meal Planning: Food waste is a significant contributor to environmental degradation. Plan your meals ahead to avoid overbuying groceries, and try to use up leftovers whenever possible. Additionally, incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, as plant-based diets generally have a lower carbon footprint compared to meat-heavy diets. We have a handy meal planner on our website regularly updated with new tasty recipes you can try out!
Living more sustainably in your student home is not only beneficial for the environment but also for your overall well-being. By adopting these simple yet impactful practices, you can reduce your ecological footprint and contribute to a healthier planet for current and future generations.
So let's celebrate Earth Day every day by making conscious choices that prioritise the planet and its inhabitants. After all, there's no planet B!
