Green Living
Living a modern lifestyle, it is probably impossible to eliminate your impact on the environment, however you can reduce it, with a few simple steps. You can be greener in the way you shop, wash your clothes, what you buy when you are out and about, and in how you travel.
A greener household
When buying groceries, why not shop at the market? The market sells local produce, that doesn't have the air miles of imported stuff, and is often cheaper than Sainsbury's, especially for fruit and veg. Or, for those of us who live in houses out of college, why not try ordering some organic fruit and veg from local producers? It is a little more expensive than buying from the supermarket, but the veg really does taste better (!), and you get the fun of having new and different veg delivered depending on what is in season.
When shopping at a supermarket, always check the country of origin, and try to buy British food, to reduce air miles. This has the added benefit of supporting British farms, and gives you more confidence when buying meat, that the animal has received humane treatment.
When buying detergents, buy eco-friendly ones. They are not the cheapest, but they are generally no more expensive than big name brands, and work well.
Watch out for organic stuff; it may be pesticide free, but it may also have been imported over long distances.
The green person out and about
When you are in town, and stop to buy something, think about the packaging it is in. For example, you can get sandwiches in fully biodegradable packages in a number of places in town, including M&S. You can also buy snacks from bakeries, where they will come in paper bags, and are freshly made.
When you are in a pub, trying the local ale can be not only a good choice for your taste buds, but also greener, as it has been transported less distance. When buying wine, buy local produce, as I hear British wines are lovely... (ahem). Well ok then, just drink beer instead!
Accommodation
Some of Emma student housing is in very old buildings, which makes it difficult for green improvements to be made, especially as some of the buildings are listed. However, College have agreed that things like radiators, and maintenance on taps and showers, are improvable. If you notice any faults, like radiators that cant be turned off, or leaking taps, then put it in the maintenance book in the Porters' Lodge and it will be given priority.