Australia is a land of natural beauty and incredible biodiversity, making sustainability an essential part of life for everyone, particularly students. Living sustainably not only helps preserve the environment, but it can also lead to significant savings and an overall healthier lifestyle. Whether you’re in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or a regional town, there are plenty of practical and easy ways for students to reduce their ecological footprint and live more consciously. Here are some unique and practical sustainable living tips tailored specifically for students in Australia.
1. Minimize Your Belongings
- Action Tip: Before buying anything new, ask yourself, “Do I really need this?” Opt for second-hand or borrowed items. Use Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree to find cheaper, used furniture, electronics, and textbooks.
- Example: Swap textbooks with friends or use apps like Booko to find second-hand versions, saving money and reducing waste.
2. Use Public Transport or Bike
- Action Tip: Ditch the car if possible. Get a Myki card in Melbourne or a Opal card in Sydney for cheaper public transport. Many cities also have student discounts for bus, tram, and train travel.
- Example: Instead of paying for parking or petrol, take a tram to uni, or use an app like Lime or Circ to rent an electric scooter or bike for short trips.
3. Go Plant-Based (Even a Few Days a Week)
- Action Tip: Reduce meat and dairy consumption by planning at least two or three plant-based meals a week. It's cheaper, and it's better for the environment.
- Example: If you’re new to plant-based eating, try “Meatless Mondays” or check out student-friendly meal plans online for easy vegan recipes.
4. Shop at Thrift Stores
- Action Tip: Head to local op shops (thrift stores) or second-hand markets for clothes, furniture, and appliances. They’re much cheaper than buying new, and you’re giving items a second life.
- Example: If you need a new outfit for an event or interview, head to a nearby Salvos or Vinnies—you’ll find high-quality clothing at a fraction of the cost.
5. Say No to Single-Use Plastics
- Action Tip: Invest in a reusable water bottle, coffee cup, and shopping bag. Many cafes in Australia will give you a discount if you bring your own cup.
- Example: Keep a foldable shopping bag in your backpack so you’re never caught without one when doing groceries. Try bamboo toothbrushes or compostable items to further reduce your plastic waste.
6. Cut Your Energy Consumption
- Action Tip: Be mindful of lights, fans, and air-conditioning. Switch to energy-efficient LED light bulbs, and always turn off appliances when not in use. Use fans instead of A/C when possible, or dress lighter in summer.
- Example: Set your air-conditioning to 24°C in summer and wear a lightweight shirt instead of cranking up the temperature.
7. Start a Small Garden
- Action Tip: Even if you’re in a small apartment, you can start growing herbs or small veggies in pots. Look for plants that thrive in Australia’s climate, like basil, parsley, or cherry tomatoes.
- Example: Use a window ledge or balcony to grow herbs in small containers. If you don’t have space, check if your university has a community garden you can contribute to.
8. Save Water
- Action Tip: Take shorter showers, and always turn off the tap when brushing your teeth or doing dishes. Install a water-efficient showerhead and use a water-saving toilet if your accommodation doesn’t already have one.
- Example: If your shower lasts more than 5 minutes, set a timer or try to turn it into a habit to limit water use. In dry areas, make sure to use buckets to catch excess water from the shower to water your plants.
9. Buy Eco-Friendly Study Supplies
- Action Tip: Use recycled paper for printing, opt for biodegradable pens, and buy second-hand textbooks. Digital resources can also reduce your need for paper.
- Example: Look for eco-friendly notebooks and pens at stores like Officeworks or Staples, or order them online. If you’re writing notes, try using apps like Evernote or Notion to keep things digital.
10. Attend Local Sustainability Events
- Action Tip: Get involved in your university’s sustainability programs. Many campuses host events like sustainability fairs, workshops, or volunteering days focused on environmental issues.
- Example: Check out the Sustainability Hub at your university for workshops or student-led projects that focus on things like waste reduction or community gardens.
11. Practice Conscious Consumption
- Action Tip: Always ask yourself, "Do I need this?" before buying anything new. Avoid impulse buying, and try to upcycle or repurpose items rather than replacing them.
- Example: If something breaks, repair it instead of throwing it away. There are local repair cafes in some cities where volunteers help you fix items for free or low cost.