Go green with your commute

Transportation is a significant contributor to carbon emissions but, as a student, you can make eco-friendly choices.

• Walk or bike: If you live near campus, walking or cycling is a great way to stay active while reducing your carbon footprint.
• Public transport: Use buses, trains, or carpool with friends to decrease the number of vehicles on the road.
• Invest in a travel pass: Railcards, Zoom passes, and TravelMaster are all available to students to make public transport more affordable - take advantage of them!

We're also lobbying for cheaper transport across South Yorkshire - read our latest updates.

Embrace reusable products

Single-use plastics are a major environmental issue. Switch to reusable alternatives to cut down on waste.

• Reusable bottles and coffee cups: Keep these handy for hydration and your daily caffeine fix.
• Eco-friendly bags: Use cloth or canvas bags instead of plastic ones.
• Food containers and cutlery: Pack your meals in reusable containers and use stainless steel or bamboo cutlery.

🔥 HSU hot tips

• Did you know you can save £1 on any hot drink at Hallam Cafes when you use your own cup?!
• Keep an eye out for any Fairs held at the Uni - you'll find lots of free tote bags, reusable cups, and bottles up for grabs!

Practice energy efficiency

Small changes can lead to big savings in energy and costs.

• Unplug electronics: When not in use, unplug chargers and devices to avoid phantom energy consumption (you'll also save money on your bills!).
• Switch to LEDs: If you're allowed to bring your own lights, choose energy-efficient LED bulbs.
• Limit heating: Layer up when it gets chilly, get yourself an electric blanket (they only cost 3p an hour to run!), or even invest in a portable radiator instead of cranking the heat in the whole house.

Read our top tips for busting energy bills.

Reduce food waste

Food waste contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, but mindful habits can help.

• Plan your meals: Shop with a list and buy only what you need to avoid over-purchasing.
• Store food properly: Use airtight containers to extend the life of fresh produce.
• Go meat-free: Reducing meat consumption lowers your carbon footprint and helps cut down on food-related emissions. Try incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet.
• Community Fridge: Open Monday to Friday (1:30pm - 5pm) during term time, help yourself to free food donated by local businesses and suppliers, often items nearing their sell-by date but still perfectly good to eat.

You'll find a range of items like fresh produce, dairy products, snacks, and more, all available for free from our Community Fridge. Since its launch in October 2023, the Community Fridge has saved over 900kg of food that would have otherwise gone to waste.

📱 App-solutely essential

Download the Too Good to Go app and pick up a 'mystery' allocation of food and drink for a fraction of the usual price - cheap food and you're helping to reduce food waste, what's not to love?!

Shop secondhand

Fast fashion and new products often come at an environmental cost, but there are other options...

• Thrift clothing and furniture: Check out local vintage and charity stores or try our Swap Shop. Here you can trade your used clothes, shoes, and accessories for something new (to you). It's a great way to refresh your wardrobe without spending any money!
• Borrow or share: Share rarely-used items like tools, books, or electronics with friends or classmates.
• Repair and upcycle: Extend the life of your belongings by repairing them or giving them a creative second life.

Get involved

Sustainability Week is the perfect time to engage with initiatives and connect with like-minded peers.

• Join our Sustainability Society: A brand-new society for 2025, where like-minded students with a passion for sustainability can meet, share tips and tricks, raise awareness, and bring about positive change.
• Volunteer: Participate in clean-ups, tree planting, and other sustainability-focused activities.
• Educate yourself: Attend workshops, lectures, or film screenings about environmental issues and solutions.

Explore the line-up

Make mindful consumption choices

What you buy and how you use resources matters.

• Buy local and seasonal: If you can, try to support local farmers and reduce the carbon footprint of your food.
• Choose ethical brands: Research companies that prioritise sustainability and fair labour practices.
• Invest in quality: The saying "buy cheap, buy twice" holds true - choosing high-quality, durable items means they last longer, reducing waste and saving you money in the long run.
• Minimise printing: Go digital for notes and assignments to save paper.

Spread awareness

Use your voice to inspire others.

• Share tips on social media: Highlight your sustainable habits and encourage your friends to join in.
• Host events: Organise a clothing swap, zero-waste challenge, or documentary screening.
• Lead by example: Show others that sustainable living is achievable and rewarding.

Sustainability Week is more than a week of events; it's a reminder of our shared responsibility to care for the planet. As a student, your actions may seem small, but collectively, they contribute to meaningful change. Start with a few simple steps, and you'll soon find that living sustainably is not only possible but also deeply fulfilling.