Seven ways for students to go green

Right now, if you are attending university, you are definitely looking to the future. You are therefore almost certainly worried about climate change and how you can make sure the world thrives well into that future you are studying so hard for. At The Fields we are all about helping make the world we live in better, and creating a healthy and sustainable environment for people to live in. Here we present our guide for how you, as a student, can go green and help make the world better. 

1. Decrease meat consumption

As a South African, your first thought may be that this is difficult, but given the spiralling price of meat these days it’s actually much easier than you think. Vegetables are not only significantly less harmful to the environment, but also happen to fit better with student budgets. Eating less meat, even one meal less a week, can make a big difference. When you do eat meat, look for labels that specify free range, organic and hormone and antibiotic free.

2. Chuck the plastic

Little changes like getting a cloth grocery bag and ditching bottled water now while you are a student will add up to a vast amount of plastic that never ends up in the oceans over the course of your life. Buy a coffee cup and a water bottle and keep them in your bag to ensure you don’t need to take disposables cups and bottles. 

3. Switch off and unplug

When you aren’t using your appliances and computer it’s easy to believe they aren’t drawing any power. The truth is that they are constantly drawing tiny amounts that over time add up. When you are done with your appliances make sure to turn them off and unplug them to make a good impact on the environment.

4. Walk and cycle more

Given how accessible The Fields is to Hatfield, The University of Pretoria, the Gautrain, the A Re Yeng bus and other public transport it’s never been easier to get where you need to be by public transport. The next step is to plan, give yourself a little more time and either cycle or walk to university and back. Not only will you be saving the planet, but you will also be getting fitter in the process.

5. Don’t waste water

This is probably one of the most important ways you can make a difference in South Africa. In a country that is as dry as ours, every drop counts and you can play your part by taking shorter showers, shallower baths or even just switching off the tap when you brush your teeth. If you shower daily and cut down your shower time to 4 minutes then you will be saving 11,680 litres of water per year.

6. Buy less, borrow more

We live in a hugely consumerist culture, which tries to lure us into buying loads of stuff we really don’t need. By borrowing more things and buying less you can make a big difference to the number of resources that need to be dug out of the ground or chopped down. If you purchase only the essentials, you will save money and the planet. Gently used items from family and friends is also a fantastic way to save money!

7. Take your notes electronically

If you have the ability to do so, take your notes electronically. Not only will they be easier to collate and find later but you will also be saving a huge amount of paper and thus trees. If you do take notes on paper then think about making them into digital versions later and always be sure to recycle, not just your note paper, but everything else as well.

At The Fields we are striving to make your living environment healthier and providing inspiration for the people of Pretoria and South Africa to emulate and we look forward to helping you do your part to make the city proud. JOIN THE FIELDS TODAY and WIN! Both existing and new residents can win a R500 electricity voucher.