Top tips: Living more sustainably

Whether it’s to save money or to become more aware of our energy consumption, many of us are starting to think about how we can live more sustainably.

Here, Liverpool Student Homes have shared some top sustainability tips for you to try at home and in your student accommodation:

1. Talk to others

With the recent energy price increases, it’s more important than ever to be savvy with fuel consumption. Simple lifestyle changes can help.

Increasing awareness of how energy is used and sharing ideas about how we can live more sustainably can be really impactful.

2. Report issues

If you notice a broken light, dripping tap, missing bins or recycling posters, broken seal to your oven or fridge, then report it to your accommodation provider. If you have ideas about how to improve sustainability share your thoughts.

3. Switch off lights and appliances

Remember to switch off lights in rooms you’re not using and limit those in rooms you’re in. Report faulty light sensors to your accommodation provider.

Switching off appliances and plugs at the socket is a great way to stop energy wastage as items use energy in standby or sleep mode.

4. Don’t overfill the kettle

Don’t use additional energy by overfilling the kettle with more water than you need. 200ml is the ideal amount of water for a single hot drink.

5. Put a lid on your pan when cooking

Putting a lid on your saucepan significantly reduces the amount of energy required to cook your food and cooks your food quicker. Also try and use the right size hob/stove ring for the size of your pan, otherwise you are just heating the surrounding air.

6. Wear layers

Feeling a little cold? Instead of turning up your heating straight away put on a jumper/extra layer. A jumper can add three degrees of warmth to your body. If your accommodation runs a little hot, turn down the radiator or thermostat (if you can) before opening a window.

7. Reduce unnecessary waste and recycle

Where possible, refuse additional packaging and disposables, opting for re-useable instead. Reducing waste can help to conserve resources, reduce landfill waste, protect ecosystems and save energy.

8. Put on full loads of laundry

Washing machines and tumble dryers use a lot of energy and water. Try to put on fuller loads rather than lots of small loads; coordinate with housemates. 30 degrees Celsius is generally a good temperature to wash your clothes and will help them to last longer.

9. Reduce food waste

UK households waste seven million tonnes of food every year. Aim not to over-buy by keeping track of what food you already have and planning ahead. Check use-by dates rather than best-before dates and freeze items to eat later. Use leftovers in other meals or share with your friends.

Help with managing the cost of living

As a student at the University of Liverpool there are a number of things we can do to help you manage the challenges of the rising cost of living, whether it is with unexpected short-term costs, or with long-term financial management.

Financial challenges can be a significant cause of anxiety, affecting your mental health, ability to focus on study and general wellbeing.

If you are in immediate financial difficulty and require support please contact our Money Advice & Guidance Team on money@liverpool.ac.uk or book an online confidential one-to-one appointment. If you are an international student, please contact our International Advice and Guidance Team on iagteam@liverpool.ac.uk or book an online confidential one-one appointment.