10 Tips for a Sustainable Student Life
Living more sustainably as a student isn’t about doing everything perfectly – it’s about doing something. With simple everyday choices, you can reduce your environmental impact, save money, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Here are ten tips that are easy to get started with.
1. Eat More Plant-Based
Start with one or two vegetarian days a week, or swap minced meat for lentils in a stew. Small steps make a big difference – both for the climate and your budget.
Want to learn more about climate-smart and sustainable food? Listen to the podcast Feeding Your Mind from SLU Future Food, or tune in to the Summer Talk by one of Sweden’s leading experts on the climate and environmental impact of food – SLU researcher Elin Röös (In swedish).
2. Shop Second-Hand or Swap Clothes
Clothing production requires large amounts of resources – water, energy and chemicals – and contributes significantly to global climate impact. By shopping second-hand or participating in clothing swaps, you extend the life of garments that already exist instead of contributing to new production.
For students, it’s also a smart way to find affordable and unique pieces, sometimes with better quality than newly produced low-cost alternatives.
Check out local second-hand shops, student flea markets and clothing swap events. Several SLU student unions have organised swap days over the years, and the SLU Library hosts an annual clothing swap week in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala. Need a new outfit for your next student dinner? Borrow from a friend for some variation!
3. Choose Sustainable Transport
How we travel in everyday life matters for the climate. Walking, cycling or using public transport reduces emissions, noise and congestion – and is often cheaper and better for your health. If you occasionally need a car, carpooling or car-sharing can be good alternatives.
At Campus Ultuna in Uppsala, Ultuna’s DIY Bike Workshop (Ulls väg 24) is open on Thursday afternoons and gives students and staff the opportunity to repair and maintain their bikes free of charge. If you need a car, carpool with classmates or join a car-sharing service – there are several student carpool groups online.
4. Reduce Energy Use at Home
Energy use in housing accounts for a significant share of environmental impact. You can contribute by switching off lights, turning off electronics completely (not just standby) and unplugging chargers when not in use. Airing rooms briefly instead of leaving windows open for long periods, and using energy-efficient lighting, are simple habits that save both energy and money.
5. Reduce Food Waste
Food waste is a major environmental issue: globally, about one third of all food produced is thrown away. When food is wasted, resources such as land, water, energy and labour have been used unnecessarily. For students, reducing food waste is also an easy way to save money.
Plan meals, cook extra portions for lunch boxes, freeze leftovers and keep track of what you already have at home. Apps like Too Good To Go can help reduce waste and save money. Many grocery stores also offer discounted products close to their expiration date – take a look! Social media accounts such as Portion Under Tio share affordable recipes that often focus on using leftovers and reducing waste.
6. Think Circular in Your Studies
Studying doesn’t have to mean buying everything new. Course literature can often be bought second-hand, borrowed from the library or shared between students. The same applies to calculators, lab coats, computer equipment and other study materials.
Some student unions even have exchange shelves or shared resources for books and old exams. Thinking circular reduces resource use – and saves you money.
7. Wash Smarter
Laundry affects both the climate and the lifespan of your clothes. Wash less frequently, air garments when possible, choose lower temperatures and always run full loads. Air drying is also gentler on your clothes than tumble drying. Small changes in laundry habits make a big difference over time.
8. Care for and Repair Your Things
Taking care of what you already own is an important – and sometimes overlooked – part of sustainable consumption. Repairing a torn garment, sewing on a button, fixing a zipper or mending a loose cable can significantly extend a product’s life. It’s often easier than you think and helps reduce waste.
9. Choose the Train When You Travel
When travelling home or going abroad for exchange studies, your choice of transport matters. Train travel has a significantly lower climate impact than flying – and the journey can become part of the experience. With night trains and good connections, you can often travel further than you think. Slower travel can be a simple way to travel more sustainably.
10. Get Involved!
Join a sustainability association, make your voice heard through student representation in your union, or participate in environmental initiatives at the university. Doing something together strengthens motivation and helps you meet new people.