Sustainability
Bethany Climpson
20
“I just don’t have time for sustainability!”
Unfortunately, there is a big misconception that living more sustainably is time consuming, costly, and unattainable in the usual hustle and bustle of everyday life that we have all become accustomed to. For a long time, I was inclined to agree! However, when I took a step back, I realised that there is actually quite a lot that I already do that aids sustainable practices. Overtime, I have been adding to this to swap out my usual habits for more sustainable ones without compromising on what came before! Being sustainable doesn’t have to be costly, or grand. Sometimes the smallest things make the biggest difference, and if we all made small changes in our everyday lives, the impact would be far greater.
For example, in 2003, the global movement ‘Meatless Monday’ was launched by the John Hopkins Centre for a Liveable Future. This is still something that many people take part in to reduce their meat consumption and live more sustainably. Not only is going meat-free one day a week better for the planet, but it is also beneficial to our health! Some environmental facts about meat:
- One beefburger requires the equivalent of 30 bathtubs of water
- Livestock production is responsible for nearly 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions
- Eating meat no more than 3 times per week could save the NHS over £1 billion per year
This movement symbolises how small changes can make a big difference. We’re not saying you have to go fully vegetarian or vegan (if you want to – that’s great!). Something as easy as giving up meat one day a week has been proven to make a difference. So, embrace your pesto pasta obsession or a jacket potato with beans and cheese and try it!
The aim of this blog is to share the ways that the Academy for Sustainable Futures incorporates sustainability in their everyday lives. Most of these ways are simple, cost effective, and time efficient to highlight how sustainability does not have to seem unattainable, and the smallest changes can have the biggest impact!
And don’t forget! Sustainability can be both environmental and social!
What do the Student Green Office do to be more sustainable in their everyday lives?
| Student Green Office Member | What they do to be more sustainable: |
| Felicity | Carry a reusable water bottle to reduce single use Use handkerchiefs instead of tissues, reusing ones I have had for years Aim to use packaging free or compostable packaging products, if not possible I optimise ‘bring back schemes’ If anyone in my household uses a clear plastic bottle, I keep it for exam season Fully recycle plastic cosmetic packaging, removing what is left and putting into a jar to use up and ensure no waste |
| Amitheesha | Eat meat-free every Saturday and do not eat pork or beef, mostly for religious purposes but helps to reduce my carbon footprint Always use a reusable water bottle and take it wherever I go As a Biomed student, lots of single use plastics are used, but I aim to only change gloves when necessary as they are not recyclable |
| Maddie | I avoid buying pre-packed food when I am out or at university to avoid single use plastics and be more frugal with money I always carry a reusable bag in my backpack should I need a bag for shopping I do not eat red meat, mostly for dietary restrictions, but also to reduce my carbon footprintI try to buy second hand rather than new to embrace a circular economy Where possible, I reduce energy consumption to off-peak hours such as setting the washing machine to start during the hours of 12am and 5am. This can reduce strain on power plants that rely on fossil fuels to meet demand for power |
| Holly | Take public transport where possible or carpool with friends/colleagues to reduce carbon footprint on everyday journeys Buy groceries locally from local butcher or farmer’s shop Not always viable bit try to do this at least twice a monthUse a metal water bottle that I have had for 4 years and take it everywhere with me reducing my plastic usage Only have central heating on at set hours or when it is really cold! Alternatively, I layer with jumpers and blankets |
What do the members of the Academy for Sustainable Futures do to be more sustainable?
| Academy Member | What they do to be more sustainable: |
| John | Travel sustainability: Walk within two miles, cycle within 15 miles, and public transport for longer journeys Use up leftover food rather than throw away Encourage wildlife in my garden with two bird tables and a nature pond Home is well insulated and draught proofed, only using heating when necessary |
| Nicola | Solar panels on our house roof to generate electricity Drive an electric car Vegetarian household Buy organic vegetable boxes and centre meals around this |
| Adriana | Cycle to work and around town, which is also good exercise, and use public transport when travelling alone Fix, mend and repurpose products Buy second hand quality clothing and household items when needed Sell and donate to embrace circular economy Aim for local, organic, seasonal and free range when buying food Avoid single use plastics |
| Bethany | Fixing and repurposing clothes where possible. If clothes are not in good enough condition to donate/sell, then donate the fabric to recycling places Ingredient prep and purposeful grocery shopping to ensure no food waste Taking care of electronics and only upgrading when necessary Using sustainable cleaning products with less harmful chemicals and biodegradable materials |
Above are a mixture of methods members of the Academy for Sustainable Futures try to live more sustainably, whether as a homeowner or student. We hope this has offered some useful insight into sustainable swaps and encourage you to make some changes. Remember, the smallest thing can make the biggest difference!
So, what are you going to do to be more sustainable in your everyday life? Let us know in the comments!
Thanks for reading!
By Maddie Polston, SGO Projects Officer
Fancy some extra reading? Check out our sources:
What If Everyone Stopped Eating Meat Once a Week? | Reader’s Digest
About Meatless Monday – Meatless Monday
Facts and figures – Meat Free Monday
Off-Peak Electricity Times Explained – Is It Cheaper at Night? – British Gas
Recycle at Boots Scheme – Boots
Best eco cleaning products for your kitchen 2024 | Good Food
