I am going to tell you something that you may need to hear: sometimes, it’s okay to let go. Relationships lose their magic. People grow apart, physically and mentally. Loving someone for a long time is often held up as the ultimate goal. We’re surrounded by stories of ‘high school’ sweethearts, young lovers, and best friends who have loved each other for years before confessing. These relationships endure through care, repair, and commitment.  

Sometimes, it doesn’t work. Even after years, or maybe weeks, it is time to let go. Sometimes no one is at fault, but the break-up is still relieving.  

In last year’s Valentine’s Day post, the Student Green Office shared some of their most cherished, items. This time, we’re turning our attention to the unspoken part: the break-up. 

In 2025, shortly after that post, I broke up with consumerism. It wasn’t a dramatic split. The truth is, I became dependent on consumerism, as it always seemed to support me. Over time, I realised that it was hindering my ability to spend time on other things. Breaking up with my plastic shampoo bottles, my ill-made clothes and other convenience items brought me unexpected joy and allowed me to consume more intentionally. Perhaps it was more of an intervention, but the outcome was the same: I upgraded the relationship. Today, we want to share some of our own unsustainable break-ups, in the hope that they may help you reflect on your relationship with consumption – and decide what’s worth keeping, changing or letting go. 

The Student Green Office’s Favourite Sustainable Swaps 

Chen 

My favourite sustainable swap was exchanging coats with a friend. We both had coats we liked but didn’t wear often anymore. So, we swapped — and it felt like getting something new without buying anything. I had never worn this type of coat before, and I was surprised how good it looked on me. It was fun, personal, and felt more meaningful than shopping. Sometimes the best “new” things are just old things with a new story. 

Emilia 

The love of my life (my favourite handbag) died on me. I’d picked it up second hand for next to nothing, so I shouldn’t have been too surprised when the straps broke and all the colour wore off. This is still my favourite sustainable swap as to replace my bag, I managed to get a new, vintage leather bag, which served me even better than the previous, and I wouldn’t have bought had my original bag not broken. The replacement bag is still going strong, and offers great comfort to me after losing my first love. 

Flic 

My favourite sustainable swap is my reusable period underwear! I also use a menstrual cup and reusable underwear liners, but the period underwear makes me happy! It is very easy to wash and very comfortable. I own three different brands, and it makes me strangely happy to see them drying on my radiator in my room: probably because as people who menstruate, we’re often told to be ashamed or hide it. I always have my door open so it’s like a tiny protest – even though I know for a fact that no one in my house minds. 

Maddie 

One of my favourite sustainable swaps is actually laundry products! Unfortunately, conventional laundry products are often full of harsh chemicals bad for our health and the environment. I have switched to a brand called Miniml (who also do cleaning products and toiletries) and I have fallen in love. The scents are amazing and it is peace of mind knowing its safe for me and my environment. You can also buy in bulk, buy refills, opt for glass over plastic bottles and return empty bottles for free. 

Learning How to Let Go, Sustainably 

The most successful sustainable swaps are often small and incremental. They begin with moments of friction, which is normal for any relationship. If you’re considering switching to more sustainable alternatives, here are some things to keep in mind. 

The best thing to do is use what you already have. Replacing items before they’re finished often creates more waste than it prevents. Once it does run out or break, pay attention to if you can tell it is missing from your routine. Those everyday frustrations, products that don’t work properly, constantly need replacing or leave you feeling guilty about the waste they create are signs that you’re ready to try something new. 

When you are considering making more sustainable swaps, start with things you already enjoy or spend a lot of time doing. If you love cooking, you may notice the packaging or food scraps that you throw away: in this case, you may want to do some research on packaging free options or how to reuse or compost your food scraps. If you love clothing, then second-hand shopping, clothing swaps or mending items can refresh your wardrobe without costing the environment. If self-care is an important part of your routine, refillable toiletries or solid alternatives can add a different kind of satisfaction: knowing that once the product is finished, it won’t linger on the planet longer than you do. 

The most important thing is that sustainable living doesn’t have to be restrictive, even though it may feel that way when a swap isn’t working. When a swap is enjoyable, it’s more likely to last.

One sustainability ‘fail’ that comes to mind for me is reusable cotton buds. I hated the rubbery texture and found they didn’t suit my routine. I still use disposable ones, but I’ve switched to a compostable alternative instead. It may not be the ‘best’ swap on paper, but it’s the one that works for me. Sustainable living doesn’t have to be perfect, if we are doing something small to help. 

Happily Ever After 

Before committing to a new relationship, it’s worth going on a few dates. Try asking your friends or housemates about their favourite sustainable swaps, and ask if you can borrow them (non-hygiene items only!). Make use of libraries, repair cafés, clothing swaps and online ‘buy nothing’ groups. Trying second hand first can ease the pressure of getting it ‘right’ immediately, often leading to more informed choices and items you’ll love for a long time. 

As you reflect on the swaps we’ve shared, consider just one habit or item you may be ready to break up with, and one habit you’ll stick to. Pay attention to how you feel about the things that come to mind, and how you feel about the idea of making a change. If something doesn’t stick, that’s ok. Convenience is necessary too, and sustainability is not all or nothing. Small actions are very important, especially the ones that feel worth staying with. 

By Felicity Lindo, SGO Projects Officer