Student sustainability

Moving to university has been a significant lifestyle change in so many ways. For one, I’m always on a bus these days! Whether doing my food shop, going to lectures, popping into town, or going on a night out, the bus is a student’s best friend. It’s the perfect chance to sit back and chat with friends and watch the city go by – not to mention the reduction on air pollution a double-decker bus has by taking cars off the road. 

Another fact of the matter is that I’ve always got a coffee in my hand! But of course, I always try to remember my reusable cup for a study session at the library, or a visit to the café near my accommodation which unfortunately only serves disposable cups and crockery. (A heads up: most places also give discounts when you bring your own cup!)

March Reading Recommendation:

‘Wilding’ by Isabella Tree. This book has opened my eyes to an interesting range of topics, from ancient breeds to intensive British agriculture. A key takeaway from this book – which some may view as negative, I consider it helpful if a little demoralising – is the art of noticing how quiet ‘natural’ areas are – even areas which we consider ‘wild’ are much quieter, lacking, than they were in even recent memory. A great read if you’re curious about rewilding and practical approaches to conservation.

When studying, work, or other stresses of daily life become too much, one of my favourite things to do is to go for a walk. Even a 10-minute leg-stretch can do wonders to clear your head, especially if you have access to green space or, my personal preference, water of some kind – the sea, a stream, a lake, anything will do! Bonus points if you can gather some friends, some snacks, and make a picnic of it as the weather begins to make a turn for the better. It can be relaxing to listen to music or a podcast whilst you walk solo, however I recommend sometimes unplugging to simply take in the sounds of nature around you. Try sitting on a bench for five minutes and seeing how many different birds you can hear singing.