By Lucy Griffiths — Deputy Illustrator
As a student it is important to do our own individual bit for the environment, from reducing waste to recycling we can make our lives a bit more sustainable and even cost efficient, so here are 5 tips for how to be sustainable as a Royal Holloway student!
- Buying local produce
When purchasing your fruit and vegetables make sure to get the loose items to minimise your useage of plastic packaging! Not only does this promote healthy eating ,but it is good for the planet and can save you some pennies, meaning less waste and a chance for your body to be happy! If you fancy some very nice artisan bread, you can visit the Friday Market and you may even come across various sweet treats. For the avid meat eaters of Englefield green, go to Ansel’s Butchers! They sell affordable and good quality meat free of industrial farming. I got 3 chicken breasts for 6 quid- a right bargain! Ansel’s Butchers address: 42A Bond St, Englefield Green, Egham TW20 0PY
- Get the Bus!
Fed up of walking up Egham hill and spending money on Uber? Well get the bus! I have to admit, the bus can be slightly confusing to begin with, trying to find the times, but there are many ways to combat this by simply looking at the timings at the bus stop, or getting various bus apps. There’s the 441 white bus for Englefield Green, that mini bus one with the funky lights for campus and Hoxpark, and many many more… But remember to always ask for a student ticket on the white bus, as you get a good concession. The bus not only saves you a lot of money, but reduces your carbon footprint. And if you do happen to have a car, well car share! This is very good for those who have housemates, you can do a big shop altogether.
- Learn how to recycle
This is for those who live in student housing: please recycle! Firstly check if you have an outdoor recycling bin, all landlords must provide one, if you don’t have one, contact them or your local council. Secondly, get an indoor recycling bin, this could be as simple as a shopping bag or plastic box container, it’s up to you. Thirdly, before putting your recycling in their designated spots, rinse your waste out as the bin men won’t take dirty recycling. Remember you can recycle plastic, cardboard, packaging, glass and anything that isn’t food. And if you do live on campus, student accommodation provides recycling for a reason so be wise and use it!
- Coffee cups
If you’re a keen coffee or tea drinker, think about getting a reusable coffee cup or flask, fill it up with a hot beverage and it can last a longer time than a paper coffee cup. Can’t resist Starbucks, crosslands or Boilerhouse? Well you’re in luck, as they can fill your cup up, which could save you some money too. I recommend the STOJO coffee cup which is collapsible too, so no need to think about having not enough space in your bag!
But say if you do get an odd coffee now and again, remember to separate the cup and the sleeve for recycling!
- Try batch cooking
Fed up of constantly buying food and then resorting to a ready meal? Well try batch cooking. Pretend you’re cooking for a family, and just multiply your usual intake, leave the rest in tupperware and put it in the fridge/freezer. I usually do this for pasta sauces, and stews/curries so whenever you are sparse with choice there is always a nice little meal to defrost- zero effort and 10 times more sustainable!
Illustration by Lucy Griffiths