From Guest Blogger Izzy: How to Stay Green at University
It’s one of the most exciting times of anyone’s life, that moment you go to university and start to live the life of an adult, with all its freedom and responsibilities. Going green might not be at the top of the agenda as you get to know all your new friends and come to terms with your chosen course, but, with a little thought, you can still maintain those eco-friendly credentials that you were so used to at home.
Choose a green university
When you come to choose your course, and the university you want to spend the next three or four years at, you might like to take a little time to check on their green credentials. Do they embrace renewable technologies like heat recovery systems and state-of-the-art buildings? Are they into recycling all their waste? Do they even mention being green on their website?
A good place to start is the university library because that’s where some of the best green technologies should be taking pride of place. A lot of universities are, for instance, now using things like smart printing where you can not only print out documents remotely using your mobile phone but you can also opt not to waste all that paper and copy research and transfer it directly to your pc or tablet.
Staying green at halls of residence
A large number of students will be staying at halls especially in their first year when it’s a great place to hang your hat whilst you find your feet and get to know everyone. New hall builds now use a wide range of renewable technologies that make sure energy is being used efficiently. That doesn’t mean your average student doesn’t have a responsibility to keep track of their usage and that means:
- Switching off lights and appliances that aren’t in use.
- Not using as much water as you like because you ‘think’ you don’t have to pay for it.
- Recycling your waste, just like you used to do at home.
Halls like those at Liverpool University actually run a competition for resident students to behave in a more sustainable way. Last year it led to a total saving of 155 tonnes of CO2. From student’s unions to mainstream academic staff, the fight is on across all our universities to cut those greenhouse gases, reduce energy bills and put a big dent in the carbon footprint of thousands of students starting out on their new courses.
You can of course do a few other things to stay green at university:
Do you have to drive to that lecture? Why not take a gentle stroll onto campus. It’s good for your health and gets those brain cells working. If you have to drive, then make sure you do a car share so you’re cutting down on your wastage.
When you do finally leave halls and get that flat with your friends, do you know what energy saving devices your new landlord should have to make life greener and cheaper? Check out all the renewable alternatives that could make that house or flat share easier on your pocket and aim for a flat or house that has at least some of them.
Being out on the town doesn’t mean you have to forget your green credentials either – carrying that bottle home with you? Make sure you carry it straight to the recycle bin. Want some fast food? Don’t just throw the packaging away. Recycle, recycle, recycle.
Most people are pretty well clued up about what you need to be green and students are no different. Whilst universities are doing their bit and investing in renewable technologies, it always comes down to each person to make that individual difference. Just because you have been set free on the world doesn’t mean that you suddenly have no responsibility.
It’s quite the opposite. So, have fun, study hard, and, above all, stay green.
