It’s not just about recycling, though – remember the “Three Rs”: Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.
The best way to help the environment is to think about how you can reduce your waste, and be inventive about how items can be reused, before sending them to the recycling plant. This can be a very practical way of thinking as a student. Making use of your own (or other people’s) rubbish can also be a great way to save those thin on the ground recession time student pennies.
New from old
A lot of things that get thrown away or put in the recycling bin can be easily reused. Plastic takeaway cartons, for example, make great free containers for food leftovers and sandwiches. Old glass jars can be used to store half finished cans of baked beans or soup, and the cans themselves can make good candle holders. Idea makers has some great ideas on how to turn rubbish into useful goods.
Be inventive, and think about whether you could make use of something before you throw it away. If you want to push it a bit further there are lots of websites out there offering advice for would be creative recyclers. Try recyclethis for some more ideas.
Council collections
Make sure you know about the recycling schemes in your area. Most councils now collect recycling alongside the main rubbish collection. If you don’t already recycle this way (or are unsure about the details of what is collected where you are) you can find out how it works by checking out your local council website. This is a very easy way to make sure that some of your waste is recycled - all you have to do is leave it out.
Freecycle
Of course you’re not the only one who throws things away. Ever wished you could get to the things that you need, that other people see as rubbish? Freecycle allows you to do just that. It is a worldwide email group that enables people to give things they don’t want or need anymore to someone in their local area. If there is something specific that you want you can post for it too – but you may have to be patient, persistent, and more flexible than you would be if you were paying.
All sorts of items get offered, from TVs to furniture and unwanted gifts. And of course if you have items which you want to get rid of yourself it’s a great way to do so hassle free (the person taking the item usually collects it), and knowing that you are contributing to your local community.
As it says, it’s free, and it’s simple. You just need to sign up to your local email group with a yahoo account to get started. Consider using a separate email account for it so as not to have your usual address swamped.
Grow your own
Growing your own vegetables, though a bit more involved, is a great way to save money, contribute to a sounder ecological way of doing things and know more about what you eat.
Even in a small space it is possible to grow a surprising amount; even a small balcony or yard could enable you to grow tomatoes or squashes in pots. You can also grow small leafy vegetables and herbs. Websites like growveg.com offer advice on growing vegetables in small spaces.
If you do have a garden, as well as fruit and vegetables, you could recycle kitchen scraps and leftovers that are “passed it” by starting your own compost heap. This might require a bit more effort, though.