Community Ambassador Chirag, explains how choosing the sustainable option doesn’t have to mean choosing the expensive option. Here’s how living sustainably on a student budget can really look.
Choosing the sustainable option doesn’t have to mean choosing the expensive option. Here’s how living sustainably on a student budget can really look.
Thrifting and Reusing What you Have
Fashion and Wardrobe: Shopping in charity shops is a great of saving you money, avoiding contributing to the production of brand-new clothes, and keeps items out of landfill. A little stitching or knitting can go a long way, and at the Guild, the student group Hookers and Stitchers is a great place to start.
You could also donate old items to the British Heart Foundation - donation bins are around campus at The Vale in the Maple Bank car park and Shackleton reception, at Selly Oak Village in Jarratt Hall Courtyard, and at Pritchatts Park Village in the lower car park.
Books: If you can work just as well on a tablet you already own, try that instead of buying new notepads. If you prefer paper, check charity shops, buy second-hand, or ask in local “buy nothing” groups for half-used notebooks. World of Books is another excellent source for cheap reads. Every reused notebook or book saves resources and reduces landfill waste.
Extra Tips: Check Facebook Marketplace for used bikes, furniture, and more. Repair old items instead of replacing them. Being mindful of trends, reusing what you already have, and making small swaps for second-hand or donated items saves money and reduces waste.
Sustainability in the Kitchen
Cooking and Meal Prep: Instead of using cling film or plastic bags to marinate food in, try using an old glass casserole dish. It’s easy to clean, safe to cook in, and no plastic ends up in the bin. If you no longer want something, donate it to the Guild Community Pantry or pass it to a housemate. Little habits like these are free, make a difference, and reduce food waste. For more meal prep ideas, check out the Guild Community Cookbook.
Small Swaps, Big Impact: Even tiny changes help. Use popcorn kernels instead of microwave bags or loose-leaf tea instead of teabags. Keep a few indoor plants and water them with the water you forgot to drink. Try composting food scraps if you can. You could also make your own reusable kitchen towels from old t-shirts or worn towels instead of using disposable paper towels.
Saving Energy and Travelling Smart
Walk, Cycle, or Hop on the Selly Express: There’s lots of ways to get around Selly Oak without relying on a car. The Guild runs the Selly Express, a free, convenient, safe, and eco-friendly shuttle service connecting halls and campus. You can also walk, hire a bike through Gear Up Birmingham, or use low-traffic cycle routes here. Traveling by bus, train, or bike instead of flying or driving short distances might take longer, but it’s often cheaper and more enjoyable.
Save Energy at Home: Small choices at home also make a difference. Leaving lights or electronics on unnecessarily, or heating empty rooms, wastes energy and money. Simple steps like turning off devices, adjusting your heating, and following the Sustainability in Accommodation guide add up.
Fostering Community Through Sustainability
How can we bring community values into our everyday lives and make sustainability a social, enriching activity rather than a chore?
Community Ambassadors at the Guild organise regular litter picks where you can catch up with friends, enjoy music, and see the immediate impact of your efforts. From DIY lantern-making workshops to decorating with reusable materials, there are plenty of ways to make eco-friendly activities interactive and fun. Follow @guildcommunitylife on Instagram to see what we get up to.
Every small sustainable action you take - from joining a clean-up to supporting student initiatives - helps make Selly Oak cleaner, greener, and more community-focused. The Guild also has a Sustainability Officer who you can make suggestions to and elect the person whose views align with yours in the Guild Officer Elections. We’ve got lots of free, fun and eco-friendly events taking place over Green Week so make sure you get involved!
Written by Community Ambassador, Chirag.