10 easy sustainable lifestyle changes for students

Earth Day is a great opportunity to play your part for the environment – but it doesn’t have to stop there. There are lots of small changes you can make as a student to lead a more sustainable life year-round.

Use less plastic

In keeping with the 2024 theme of Earth Day, maybe take some steps to reduce the amount of plastic you use daily. From buying metal straws to finding a local zero-waste shop to stock up on your student essentials can make a huge difference.

There are also plenty of affordable high street options too. For example: swap toiletries made with plastic for shampoo bars, refillable natural deodorant and bamboo toothbrushes. Check out how many simple swaps you can make to help the environment.

Reuse where possible

Reusing things is one of the most effective ways you can be eco-friendly as a student – and it’s cheap as chips! When you buy your uni essentials – like reusable water bottles, lunchboxes and travel mugs, you’re also reducing the amount of single-use plastic you consume. So, don your favourite tote bag and give the container from your post-loan takeaway a new lease of life.

Avoid fast fashion

We all know that fast fashion is an easy fix, but it’s no friend to the planet or the people. Mega savings may be tempting as you try to make your loan stretch. But there are other sustainable and affordable ways to stay stylish. Thrifting, charity shops and vintage sales are everywhere and offer much more eco-friendly alternatives to fast fashion.

You may even find that your student union offers a fashion swap shop or upcycling session to exchange garments and reinvigorate your old ones. Plus, for graduation and other special occasions, there are a host of apps like Hurr Collective and Hirestreet that offer fashion rental services to minimise waste.

Earth Day & How To Be An Eco-Friendly Student