Whether you choose to take your own bags shopping or thrift your clothes - you are contributing to living sustainably
Sustainability is all about making choices that keep our planet healthy. Whether you choose to take your own bags shopping or thrift your clothes - you are contributing to living sustainably even if you realise it or not!
Every action counts whether big or small and by reducing waste and conserving energy we can all contribute to living in ways that are healthier for not only the planet but ourselves too.
Why should I care?
There are lots of reasons why living sustainably is important! Here are a few reasons why:
· It’s important for the planet! (Do I really need to elaborate!?) Sustainability helps to fight back against environmental challenges such as climate change, pollution and general waste.
· It’s great for your wallet. Reusing, recycling and thrifting = spending less
· It can inspire a healthier way of living. Eating sustainably and ditching fast food will improve your health while also helping the planet! Clean air, fresh water and greener eco-systems are better for your health surprisingly!
· It sets a great example for others. When YOU choose to live sustainably YOU encourage others around you to do the same!
How can I be more sustainable?
Good news - there are plenty of ways that students can make a huge impact on the environment by making small eco-friendly choices everyday! Through the clothes we wear, the food we eat and activities we take part in, there are loads of opportunities to live sustainably. Here are a few easy ways you can get involved!
Shop Smarter
From the way they are produced and transported, the clothes that we choose to buy have a huge impact on the environment. This is why it is important to shop sustainably. Aside from thrifting, apps such as Vinted and Depop are popular ways of shopping sustainably as well as being an easy way of making yourself a bit of extra dosh! (Or saving it if you are a true price haggler).
Shops in town also usually have recycling incentives which you should keep an eye out for. Boots and M&S currently run schemes where if you bring back your empty packaging, they give you discounts, which is always handy.
Found yourself fancying some new staple pieces in your wardrobe? Fulton Outfitters have a new range of sustainably made clothing! Conscious Couture clothing is made using planet friendly fabrics, is ethically produced and did I mention also super stylish?
Eco Eating
Food plays a big part in sustainable living and reducing food waste is an easy way to contribute to this! Through meal planning, eating leftovers and using your compost bin, it is important to not try and not let food go to waste! Even though we are all partial to a post Wind Street Taco Bell try and think about food you may have at home...
Swansea market has a lot of different stalls that sell a range of different food products that are great value for money! There are butchers that sell Welsh meats, bakeries selling homemade baked goods, and fishmongers selling fresh fish. Buying local fresh products is much better for the environment and you are also supporting independent businesses.
Trying to be conscious of the packaging of the food you buy too is important, only around 9-14% of the worlds plastic is recycled! I know we all miss plastic straws but putting up with a wet soggy paper straw is for the greater good. Think of the turtles.
Eating more plant-based food is also good for the environment – the plant-based range at Costcutter is a cheap and easy way to do this and guess what? There is one located on Singleton Campus!
Getting involved
Beyond what we eat and wear, there are other ways to take action. Getting involved in groups that are passionate about sustainability is also a great way to become more informed about how to live in ways that are more environmentally friendly.
There are many societies to join within the university however some specific ones that you may want to have a look at concerning sustainability are the Conservation and Ecology Society, the Geoscience Society, the Tree Society, the Gardening Society and the Swansea Action for Sustainable Healthcare.
The university also holds lots of events that link to sustainability and caring for the environment! Here are a few coming up:
· Tree Society – Tree Planting Event, 9th March 2025
· Student Union – 3 Good things in Nature, 12th March 2025
It is important to remember that living sustainably is a process and that it is about progress, not perfection! Nobody can be 100% sustainable all the time, and that’s okay! Whether you start by reducing waste, saving energy, or eating more sustainably, you’re making a difference. 💚
P.S! If you’d like to know more about what your university is doing to be sustainable, take a look here Sustainability at Swansea!