8 Simple Ways Broke Students Can Be Environmentally Friendly

Living environmentally friendly as a student is not all about buying expensive organic sustainable products. Money is often a concern for students, however, there are plenty of cheap ways to live sustainably. Here’s how to be an environmentally friendly student on a budget.

1. Go Meat-Free

Meat can be expensive and meat production also puts a strain on the planet. According to Greenpeace, we need to reduce our meat intake by 70% before 2030 to avoid a climate catastrophe. Look after the planet and your money by having a few meat-free meals each week. There’s plenty of inspiration online where’ll you find some delicious plant-based offerings. Even if you’re a self-confessed carnivore, you’ll be converted.

2. Be Savvy in the Supermarket

Thrifty and sustainable shopping is part of the environmentally-friendly student lifestyle. Living in student halls or a house share? Bulk buy essentials (ideally with reduced/recycled packaging) to cut down on waste. You can also learn some basic recipes, cook extra, and make use of your freezer. That way, you’ll reduce waste.

Finding creative ways to use any leftovers is a great idea too. Check out the Love Food Hate Waste website for inspiration.

3. Pack Your Own Lunch

You’ve got all those delicious leftovers, so take your lunch with you rather than buying it. Avoid plastic bottles and packaging by packing your lunch in a reusable container. Don’t forget your reusable water bottle and coffee cup. Saving the planet and saving money. All in a day’s work for an environmentally friendly student.

4. Save Energy

You used to make fun of your dad when he told you to turn the heating down. However, now you’re footing the bill, you see that he had a point. It’s not only your pocket that suffers when you waste energy. It wastes finite natural resources too.

You can save energy in your student house by taking some simple steps. With energy bills on the rise, every little helps. Turn off lights in rooms you aren’t using. Don’t leave appliances on standby. Before you crank up the heating, consider putting on another layer.

5. Save Water

To be an environmentally friendly student, it’s good to think about your water use too. Just like saving energy, reducing water use saves money and conserves natural resources. Turn the tap off while you’re brushing your teeth. Have shorter showers instead of baths. When you’re cooking, wash your veggies in a pan of water rather than under a running tap.

6. Get on Your Bike

Stay healthy, save money, and protect the planet by cycling or walking to lectures. Okay, we admit, the UK weather means the idea is not always appealing. However, just think of the carbon emissions and cash you’ll save. Why not use this helpful calculator and find out how much CO2 you can save!

7. Use Natural Cleaning Products

White vinegar. Baking Soda. Lemon Juice. What have these all got in common? Well, they’re cheap and they make great eco-friendly cleaners. Shop bought cleaning products contain chemical nasties that harm marine life (and us). So save money and go natural to clean everything from your toilet bowl to your wheelie bins.

8. Buy Second-Hand

From your textbooks to your clothes, there’s nothing you can’t find nearly-new these days. Whether you’re searching on Facebook Marketplace or scouring your local charity shop, it’s the smart thing to do. Every environmentally-friendly student knows that giving something a good home instead of throwing it away is the key to sustainable living.

Are you an eco-conscious student on a budget? We hope we’ve given you some inspiration for achieving a sustainable lifestyle. For more interesting articles on all things sustainability, check out the rest of our blog.