B. Whatever you choose to eat, try to shop locally and seasonally. You will most likely avoid the plastic packaging you find in supermarkets, and these products will have a lower carbon footprint. If you have the space – even just a windowsill will do – try growing some of your own herbs or vegetables; it’s amazing what you can get from just a window box planter. You can also reduce food waste by planning meals in advance, eating leftovers and sharing meals with friends. Reusing food waste as compost is also an eco-friendly action.
C. This year scientists devised a planetary health diet, presenting a way to address the environmental impact of our food choices. It recommends that the global average consumption of red meat should be cut by half, while vegetables, fruit, pulses and nuts should double. The growing global call for organisations to take seriously their responsibilities for halting climate change is impossible to ignore. Universities are now reacting to this: Goldsmiths has scrapped the sale of all beef products from its campus as it seeks to become carbon neutral by 2025.
D. Forget fast fashion: keeping your clothes for as long as possible has much more than just monetary value. In the UK, clothing has the fourth-largest environmental impact after housing, transport and food. We throw away more than half of our fast-fashion items within less than a year. So recycle your clothes or mend them. If you don’t have those skills, see if there’s a sewing society you could join, or head to a repair shop. Try clothes swaps with friends, and instead of buying new items, head to a charity or second-hand shop.
E. When you start living alone, you do your own decorating, washing, cooking and cleaning. There are simple ways you can change your habits to live more sustainably. Wash your clothes at a lower temperature, and opt for a bamboo toothbrush or more eco-friendly sanitary products. When shopping, see if there’s a zero-waste shop nearby – Sheffield students’ union has opened a store selling dried food, household products, toiletries and kitchenware all free from plastic packaging. Just turn up with your own container.
F. Of course, the easiest way to make a difference is to cut out flying. A return trip from Manchester to Berlin produces about 214 kg of CO2; there are countries where the average person produces less carbon dioxide in a year. If you are planning a weekend away with new friends, try and travel by train or bus instead, and it’s even funnier when you have a company! Cut out just one five-hour flight and your carbon footprint will be a ton lighter. Opt for a hiking trip to a nearby lake or valley. You will get more exercise and fresh air, too!