Hey guys, 

Carina & Benita here from your Students’ Union Team and as its Green Campus Week, we want to bring you our tips on how you can ‘Become a More Sustainable Student’. 

Sustainability improves the quality of our lives, protects our ecosystem and preserves natural resources for future generations. In the corporate world it is no different. Sustainability should be at the centre of every organisation's plans.  This should range from where they source their raw material, to what they produce, and even the customer service.

Sustainable living involves reducing the amount of Earth's resources that you use to help protect it. There are a number of ways you can do this, including limiting the amount of energy you use, using eco-friendly products and even by adapting your diet too. Let's explore this in more detail….

Here are some frightening but honest facts on why is it important that we all strive to become more sustainable in everything we do:

• Production increased exponentially, from 2.3 million tons in 1950 to 448 million tons by 2015. Production is expected to double by 2050. 

• Plastics often contain additives making them stronger, more flexible, and durable. But many of these additives can extend the life of products if they become litter, with some estimates ranging to at least 400 years to break down.

• Millions of animals are killed by plastics every year, from birds to fish to other marine organisms. Nearly 700 species, including endangered ones, are known to have been affected by plastics. Nearly every species of seabird eats plastics.

• Once in the ocean, it is difficult—if not impossible—to retrieve plastic waste. Mechanical systems can be effective at picking up large pieces of plastic, such as foam cups and food containers, from inland waters. But once plastics break down into microplastics and drift throughout the water column in the open ocean, they are virtually impossible to recover.

• Some documentaries about our impact on the environment can be found here: https://www.globalwildlife.org/10-environmental-documentaries-to-binge-watch-now/ 

Here are our SU tips on becoming more sustainable as a student:

1. Use reusable water bottles

Try not to use disposable bottles (or cutlery) if other options are available. You can find some reusable water bottles here: https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/outdoor-activity/sports-equipment-accessories/best-reusable-water-bottle-a9388851.html 

Reusable cutlery: https://www.dunnesstores.com/p/travel-cutlery-set---pack-of-/7895141 

2. Shop smart

Try to avoid plastic packaging where possible. Try to bring reusable grocery and produce bags for shopping so you don’t need to use plastic ones.

Reusable Produce Bags: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home-products/g26448487/best-reusable-produce-bags/

Reusable Grocery Bags: https://www.womenshealthmag.com/food/g37211356/best-reusable-grocery-bags/ 

3.Recycle right

Be sure to have separate bins for recycling and learn what goes in which bin. 

Recycle Information: https://www.cleanireland.ie/recycling-information/ 

Recycling List: https://www.cleanireland.ie/recycling-list/ 

4. Walk when possible

Try to walk or take the bicycle instead of the bus or the car when possible. Not only is it good for the environment but fresh air also benefits your body and brain.

5. Try to reduce meat and dairy in your diet

According to the UN's Food and Agricultural Organisation, the meat and dairy industry accounts for roughly 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. These industries are also responsible for a lot of deforestation. Reducing meat and dairy in your diet is also beneficial for your health, as multiple studies show. Documentaries like “What the Health” are really informative about the environmental and health impact of meat and dairy consumption. 

6. Bonus Student Tip - Think before you hit print!

Try to reduce your printing as much as possible. Think twice if you really need it printed or if having it as a document on your computer would suffice. If you do need to print, print in black and white instead of colours and double-sided if possible.

We hope that this post was informative for you and hope that you can help us build a more sustainable campus at DBS. If you are engaging with our campus and trying to be a more sustainable student, tag us in any social media posts with #DBSGreenWeek2022

Chat soon,

Carina Kaufman & Benita Mbemba

DBS Students’ Union