Today student blogger Dhanusha Hema Reddy, offers an insight into living an eco-friendly lifestyle whilst at university and shares her top tips.
As a law student, I had to read and research cases daily to attend lectures and seminars. I felt it was convenient for me to print materials and refer them when I needed it. Later I realised that as an international student, it was quite expensive for me to spend my money on printing materials. I shared my problem with the library staff at Birmingham City University. They were kind and helpful. They took me on library tours, getting me familiar with the Law book section motivating me to borrow books and recommending that I should make a habit of taking notes electronically.
I noticed a few seniors selling and donating their previous year textbooks to students at a lower cost rate that encouraged the purchasing of reused books at university.
I used to buy mineral water every day at the campus shop and realised that I was buying a lot of plastic, eventually I began using reusable water bottles and containers. The university also motivated students to get reusable cups by giving them a discount on hot drinks at the cafeteria.
Experiencing the above incidents, it made me gain interest in developing Eco-Friendly habits.
With the help of opportunities provided by the Student’s Union and the university, I gained a better knowledge of living an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Here are some tips for students to live an eco-friendly lifestyle:
Say no to paper by taking notes electronically
Save Energy by turning off electronics when not in use.
Avoid using plastic and increase the usage of biodegradable bags to throw your garbage.
Reduce water waste by taking short showers and by washing full loads of laundry.
Carpool and use public transportation this reduce the amount of pollution released into the atmosphere.
Walking or cycling to the university is a great way to reduce carbon footprint.
Dry your clothes outside in the sun the old-fashioned way, if possible
Donate your stuff like old clothes, computer, dishes, bicycles, cell phones and furniture etc.
Get involved with BCU Earth Society for free they offer opportunity to students to plant trees on and off campus.
Shop smart by visiting few zero-waste supermarkets like Clean Kilo, it is the largest zero-waste supermarket in the UK; based in Digbeth, Birmingham City Centre. They sell plastic-free products, where customers bring their own containers to refill.