Tips for sustainable student living
Living sustainably isn't just a trend, it can have a positive impact on our day-to-day lives and future. Picking up sustainable habits will not only benefit the planet, it can also help your personal well-being and financial savings. Small changes can add up to make a big difference.
Use public transport or cycle
One of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint is by using public transport. Throughout Moray you can save on bus fares with the ticket, or if you are aged between 5-21 years old you can get .
If possible, consider cycling to save money on travel costs and to stay active. We have bicycle parking rails and safe areas to leave your bike on our campuses.
Reduce, reuse, recycle
Make sure you use the bins on campus properly by separating your waste into recyclable and general waste. Get into the habit of using reusable bags, travel mugs and water bottles to cut down on single-use plastics. You might be lucky enough to own a legendary 含羞草传媒 Moray water bottle already if you’ve been to one of our Open Days!
Buy second-hand
Instead of buying new, consider buying second-hand or borrowing from friends. Moray has a variety of charity shops, or you can use online platforms such as local Facebook swap-and-sell groups, or marketplace apps and . On the flip, you can also donate items you no longer need to charity shops or make some extra cash by selling them.
Support local
Locally produced and seasonal foods reduce the environmental impact of transportation. Elgin and Dufftown have regular farmers’ markets, or there is a range of farm shops across Moray where you can pick up fresh, local produce. Moray also has it’s own zero waste refill shop, .
Mindful energy
Did you know? found that consoles cost UK households a combined total of £231million per year in standby mode. Be mindful of your energy consumption. Turn off lights, unplug electronics when not in use, and use energy-efficient appliances. This will help reduce energy consumption and save on your bills.
Reduce waste
There are some simple changes you can make that will significantly reduce your waste, such as composting food scraps and disposing of items in the correct bins – take a look at the Moray Council guide.
You can also reduce your water waste by taking shorter showers, fix leaking taps, and only run washing machines and dishwashers when they are full.
Have you ever tried the app? Food waste is a big problem, so this app lets you rescue surplus unsold food from shops such as Greggs, Costa and Aldi.
Get involved in campus initiatives
In partnership with HISA, we run our annual Green Week; an opportunity for us all to reflect on the way we live and to think about the steps we can take to live more sustainably, helping both the planet and our pockets. You can also join our Green Champions Network or take a look at our Green Resources Hub.
Eco-friendly stationery
If possible, try to use sustainable stationery such as notebooks made from recycled paper and refillable pens. If you prefer, you can take notes digitally, and as a student at 含羞草传媒 you get free access to Microsoft 365 One Note.
Stay informed
Stay informed about environmental issues and sustainable practices. Speak to your local HISA representatives to share your thoughts or set up a club/initiative. Attend local workshops or talks such as the Young Leaders sessions that we have hosted in our AGB Centre. Knowledge is key to making informed choices!