What can I do?

There are simple steps we can all take to act more sustainably and play our part in helping our environment. 

Learn to love tap water

When it comes to water consumption we could all do with easing up a little. Here are just some of the ways you can be more responsible with your water usage:

  • Get over your fear of drinking tap water: bottled water is 500 times as expensive as tap, that’s like paying around £1,500 for a pint of beer - get a BPA-free bottle for life and take it with you wherever you go.
  • Cut down on soft drinks: soft drinks have high costs and carbon footprints, besides, drinking water is better for you – it keeps you hydrated, healthy and alert.
  • Be mindful of your water usage: remember that parental advice, ‘don’t leave the tap running when you brush your teeth’, ‘fill the washing machine up with full loads’, ‘get out of the shower already’, and you will be on the right track to reducing your water consumption.

Reduce your footprint

A few minor changes to your behaviour can lower your carbon footprint. Keep these common sense tips in mind to help reduce your energy consumption.

Switch off lights and electrical equipment: if you don’t need them on why leave them on?

Dress for the weather - save on unnecessary heating or air conditioning by giving some thought towards your wardrobe.

Check out the WWF’s carbon footprint calculator to see how your lifestyle measures up.

Plastic waste like carrier bags and bottles that end up in our oceans kill approximately 1,000,000 sea creatures every year.

  • Recycle
  • Buy and sell responsibly: there’s no need to take things to the tip when there’s plenty of people on eBay waiting to bid on your treasure.
  • Why buy new when you can find something a bit more individual from charity, vintage or second-hand shops? Always check online ads, like Gumtree, Freecycle and eBay before you buy new – not only will you help save the environment but also the contents of your wallet.
  • Reuse everything: don’t stop with the bag-for-life, take a look at other things in your home that you can reuse or repurpose - why not try your hand at upcycling? Take a look at Upcycle That for some ideas to turn your things into one-of-kind pieces.
  • Recharge don’t rebuy: rechargeable batteries have 28 times less impact on global warming, 30 times less impact on air pollution, nine times less impact on air acidification and 12 times less impact on water pollution than their disposable counterparts.

Get your hands dirty

Hang plants: if you have a small or paved garden that doesn’t lend itself to planting, try hanging plants from your exterior walls. Not only will this help biodiversity, it will introduce colour to your garden.

Grow your own: if you don’t have outside space for a garden, create planters for your windowsill. With fruit and veg prices on the increase, this is a great opportunity to develop a green thumb. You can quite readily grow plants such as herbs, carrots, lettuce, tomatoes and radishes.

Help the bees: 60% of the crops which feed the world are pollinated by bees. Try to plant bee-friendly flowers which season at different times of the year to provide a consistent nectar.

Stop sitting in traffic

LJMU offers a number of green travel options to help you choose more environmentally-friendly ways to get to the university and travel around the city.

Plan to cycle or walk just once a week and you’ll be making a significant difference in reducing emissions, plus you’ll save money on travel costs.

Find out more information on sustainable travel at LJMU.

Live better

Working towards living more sustainably tends to encourage a healthier lifestyle.

Keep your meal portions small: whether you’re eating out or buying food at the supermarket, be aware of how much food you actually need. Not only will smaller portions be healthier, it’ll also reduce your food waste. The average person wastes around £200 of food per year. See the Love Food Hate Waste website for more information on how you can reduce your food waste

Count your steps: studies have shown that people walk on average an extra mile per day when tracking their steps with a pedometer

Take up a sport or activity: Sign up for classes or sessions at LJMU’s fantastic new Sports Building and check the Students' Union sport pages to find something that interests you.