A student’s guide to ethical living

Sarah Watts gives her thoughts on how students can live more ethically.

''After you have enjoyed a good night with your friends make sure you recycle all those bottles when clearing up the chaos left from the night before.'' ''And everyone knows that when it comes to fancy dress you can’t beat the selection in charity shops, especially if you are on a budget.'' ''I can’t remember how many times I have heard my parents say ‘turn the lights off when you’re not in a room’ but when you do not need it, and you are paying the bill, why leave it on?''

Ethical living, I will be honest, I think many students would be lying if they said it was a priority when starting a student life. Budgets, alcohol, new friends and whether or not you should go and introduce yourself to your sexy new neighbour are probably higher on your priority list. However, as I am increasingly finding out, it is the little things in life that really do make a difference.

Take one of my priorities; budgets, for example. As someone who has gone through the experience I thought I would share a few tips for you. Bills are probably something you don’t really think about. But maybe if, when you went out, you remembered to turn your heating off or you turned your thermostat down by a degree you would have a bit left over for that extra pint. Plus you will have the satisfaction that you have contributed a bit towards the greater good.

Lights are another example. I can’t remember how many times I have heard my parents say ‘turn the lights off when you’re not in a room’ but when you do not need it, and you are paying the bill, why leave it on? The same applies to televisions - all you have to do is turn it off at the screen and not the stand by button on the remote. It probably takes five paces and it’s even less effort than making a cup of tea, so there are no excuses!

Alcohol is another subject close to many students’ hearts. After you have enjoyed a good night with your friends make sure you recycle all those bottles when clearing up the chaos left from the night before. You may even find it quite therapeutic smashing a few glasses as they hit the bottom of the bottle bank. It is unlikely you would have to go far as many campuses or halls of residents have bottle banks. Or maybe try some local ale. It’s something which has travelled fewer food miles to get to you and, who knows, you may even develop a taste for it.

I was lucky enough to live on a street which offered everything from fresh fish and vegetables to a fancy dress shop, cafes, charity shops and general stores. I found these offered a great choice and I loved supporting local producers. And everyone knows that when it comes to fancy dress you can’t beat the selection in charity shops, especially if you are on a budget. I also love the jewellery available in most Oxfam stores.

So it may only take you a few moments of your time but, if all students did it, it would make a big difference. So spread the word and reap the rewards of an ethical student life style.