As students (and the future generations) we must demand that our governments and politicians listen to our demands about the climate crisis. Getting our voices heard through public protests, strikes, petitions and social media campaigns is very important in educating people and spreading the word about climate change. And we’re doing a good job, so let’s keep it up.
But not all change needs to be a world effort and there are lots of things that we can do at home to make a difference. With small changes to our daily lives, we can lower our carbon footprint, reduce the amount of greenhouses gases we produce and take the pressure off our environment. Here are our top ways to save the world on a student budget.
Recycle, recycle, recycle
This one is obvious but important. Be it glass bottles, cans, paper, cardboard or plastic, there’s so much that we can recycle now. Make sure to separate your recycling into different materials and clean all glass and plastic properly to avoid spoiling the whole batch. If we all keep up with recycling and don’t get lazy, it can make a huge difference.
Don’t buy bags
Remember to take your carrier bag with you when you go to the shop or supermarket. This will not only save you money but also significantly reduce the amount of single-use carrier bags that you buy, cutting down on plastic pollution. Did you know that plastic doesn’t actually decompose? Instead, it breaks down into smaller bits of plastic, called microplastics. These microplastics often end up in our environment and waterways and can be damaging to wildlife.
Say goodbye to single-use
Single-use items such as coffee cups, plastic straws, plastic cutlery and water bottles are designed to be used once and thrown away. But they can’t be recycled, so they often end up polluting our environment and contributing to the climate crisis. Did you know that 90% of plastic bottles are binned rather than recycled? Why not invest in a reusable metal water bottle instead. You’ll look good, and feel even better.
Switch to energy-efficient lightbulbs
Energy-efficient lightbulbs are better for the environment because they use less energy. This means that your energy bill will be cheaper, saving you money, and there will be less energy wasted. It’s a simple swap that’s a win-win for you and the environment!
Have a vegetarian day
The meat production process isn’t environmentally friendly. In fact, it produces lots of carbon emissions, methane (a greenhouse gas) and uses a lot of water. By eating less meat, we can all do something to benefit the environment and save some money in the process. Happy days!
Buy things second-hand
Fast fashion is a huge problem for the environment. Instead of throwing clothes away as soon as they go out of fashion, give them to a charity shop. Buying second hand gives things a brand new lease of life, that might otherwise end up in a landfill.
Being environmentally friendly doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. We only have one world, and it is our duty (and privilege) to look after it. Share this post and perhaps it can help persuade more people to do their part.
