There are plenty of ways to help save energy and be more sustainable in our halls. With your support we will be more sustainable and it's also a great way to save money.
Here are some ways you can help:
Energy saving
We support sustainable living and expect you to try to save energy. Flats that use an excessive amount may be charged.
- Make sure your radiators are not obstructed by objects
- Shut windows & draw curtains to help keep in heat from the day
- Use a lid on saucepans where possible to heat more with less energy
- Switch off lights, TVs, Microwaves, PCs and others when not in use
- Ask your friends if they also want a cuppa; only boil what you need
- Avoid dryers; line dry clothes & per year it can save 90kg of CO2
Recycle & segregate correctly
Recycling will be removed by the cleaners on a weekly basis. If it gets full before this time, you are expected to do this yourselves.
- Always check the bin posters in your kitchen
- Always wash items meant for recycling before disposing
- Create a rota to share responsibilities
- Remember your room; take recyclable items to the kitchen!
- Get creative; upcycle or create a hoop to dunk your next recyclable
- Double check; 70% of waste could be recycled. Is it the right bin?
Consider your purchases
Always think, do you need it or are alternatives available? We can save money and help the environment, from clothes to food.
- Check for the Fairtrade, FSC or other accreditations on products
- Reducing one red meat meal will save 6kg of CO2 emissions per week
- Making lunch rather than buying could also save £15 or more per week
- Bulk make & freeze to save money or share it around with your friends
- Consider second-hand, swaps or organic as environmental alternatives
- Use technology; apps like TooGoodToGo can help when on a budget
- Use your reusable-cup and save up to £37 a year on campus hot drinks
Reduce water consumption
Water is crucial to us all. 70% of our planet is covered in water but only 2.5% is drinkable and 1% easily accessible.
- Have shorter showers, one fewer minute could save 21 glasses of water
- Plug it or bowl it; do not leave taps running when washing up
- Share the load, consider sharing a machine for a full load of clothes
- Use enough; put a lid on saucepans to save on evaporation loss
- Drink enough; plants will love the leftover water from your glass
Use public transport, walk or cycle
We need good connectivity between our services, but how can we as individuals use all these travel methods sustainably?
- Use the intercampus buses; they are frequent, efficient and social
- Cycle locally; all campuses have multiple bike racks
- Share the journey; if you need to drive give your friends a lift
- The freedom of walking; there are plenty of parks and services nearby
- Mix it up; once your timetables are set try options for the most efficient
- Use technology; apps like BetterPoints give rewards for avoiding the car
The Sustainability Team is also here to help with sustainable living, and to support any innovative ideas you may have over how we can improve our environmental footprint. The team can be contacted on sustainability@greenwich.ac.uk
