Green Week
We're going green! Societies and Services Officer, Chris Freestone, is holding Green Week this week to raise awareness of the effects of food and water waste, plastic and energy on our planet, so he’ll be in Wallace Foyer on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday giving important info and advice on how you reduce your impact on the environment. Here are some tips from the man himself to help you do your bit:
1) Refuse a plastic straw
Shows like Blue Planet have given us a glimpse into what single-use plastics do to our oceans. We use an estimated 8.5 billion plastic straws every year in the which take hundreds of years to decompose. We have already banned plastic straws in our venues and if you see me during the week, I will have a petition asking all the clubs on Wind Street to do the same.
2) Get a reusable water bottle
Along with straws plastic water bottles are a highly used one use item. It is far better for the environment if you get yourself a bottle you can use over and over again. There are plenty you can buy including BPA free metal ones which even keep your water cold.
3) Make your own sandwiches
I know it is a lot easier to get a meal deal for your lunch. However, not only will you save money making sandwiches at home it is also greener. Recent research found pre-packaged sandwiches had a higher carbon footprint. The worst offender being the "all-day breakfast" sandwich, generating 1,441g of carbon dioxide – the same as driving a car 12 miles.
4) Eat less meat
This is one I have struggled to do but it can be really beneficial for the environment. 70% of the Amazon rainforest has been destroyed to raise cows, and meat production results in more carbon emissions than any other protein. I am not saying you have to go veggie but a few more meat free meals a week can make a big difference.
5) Buy your vegetables loose
When you go to supermarkets a lot of vegetables come pre-packaged in plastic. However, did you know, you can buy them loose, put them in your basket/bag, and get them weighed at the till. Just make sure you wash them before you use them.
6) Save your water
When you wash your fruit and vegetables do it under a large bowl and save the runoff water. You can then use this water for plants in your garden or pots. Same goes for water used after boiling pasta or potatoes, if it is not salted.
7) Turn off the lights
There is a reason light switches are located by the door! Make a habit of turning them off when leaving a room. You will save energy and money off your next bill this way.
8) Make your own cleaning supplies
A more out-there tip from me, but it is a lot easier than what you may think. Household cleaning supplies are full of manmade poisons which are not the best for the environment. There are plenty of tips online on how to make them – the secret is lemon juice, vinegar, and baking soda.
9) Buy some tote bags
This will last you for ages and are relatively cheap. Plastic bags now cost money so why not invest in a bag which will last longer than the food you put in it will. You can even buy them in Root and the Environmental Centre Swansea.
10) Sign up to our green mailing list
To hear more from me about what green things are happening in the union and university and more tips in the future. Don't worry, they will be few and far between! If you'd like to be added to the mailing list, please email chris.freestone@swansea-union.co.uk
Wythnos Werdd
Mae Swyddog Cymdeithasau a Gwasanaethau, Chris Freestone, yn cynnal wythnos werdd i godi ymwybyddiaeth o effeithiau gwastraff bwyd a dwr, plastig ac egni ar ein planed. Bydd e yn Nerbynfa Wallace ar Ddydd Mawrth, Dydd Mercher a Dydd Gwener yn rhoi gwybodaeth a chyngor pwysig am sut i leihau eich effaith ar yr amgylchedd. Dyma rai awgrymiadau gan Crhis i wneud eich rhan:
1) Refuse a plastic straw
Shows like Blue Planet have given us a glimpse into what single-use plastics do to our oceans. We use an estimated 8.5 billion plastic straws every year in the which take hundreds of years to decompose. We have already banned plastic straws in our venues and if you see me during the week, I will have a petition asking all the clubs on Wind Street to do the same.
2) Get a reusable water bottle
Along with straws plastic water bottles are a highly used one use item. It is far better for the environment if you get yourself a bottle you can use over and over again. There are plenty you can buy including BPA free metal ones which even keep your water cold.
3) Make your own sandwiches
I know it is a lot easier to get a meal deal for your lunch. However, not only will you save money making sandwiches at home it is also greener. Recent research found pre-packaged sandwiches had a higher carbon footprint. The worst offender being the "all-day breakfast" sandwich, generating 1,441g of carbon dioxide – the same as driving a car 12 miles.
4) Eat less meat
This is one I have struggled to do but it can be really beneficial for the environment. 70% of the Amazon rainforest has been destroyed to raise cows, and meat production results in more carbon emissions than any other protein. I am not saying you have to go veggie but a few more meat free meals a week can make a big difference.
5) Buy your vegetables loose
When you go to supermarkets a lot of vegetables come pre-packaged in plastic. However, did you know, you can buy them loose, put them in your basket/bag, and get them weighed at the till. Just make sure you wash them before you use them.
6) Save your water
When you wash your fruit and vegetables do it under a large bowl and save the runoff water. You can then use this water for plants in your garden or pots. Same goes for water used after boiling pasta or potatoes, if it is not salted.
7) Turn off the lights
There is a reason light switches are located by the door! Make a habit of turning them off when leaving a room. You will save energy and money off your next bill this way.
8) Make your own cleaning supplies
A more out-there tip from me, but it is a lot easier than what you may think. Household cleaning supplies are full of manmade poisons which are not the best for the environment. There are plenty of tips online on how to make them – the secret is lemon juice, vinegar, and baking soda.
9) Buy some tote bags
This will last you for ages and are relatively cheap. Plastic bags now cost money so why not invest in a bag which will last longer than the food you put in it will. You can even buy them in Root and the Environmental Centre Swansea.
10) Sign up to our green mailing list
To hear more from me about what green things are happening in the union and university and more tips in the future. Don't worry, they will be few and far between! If you'd like to be added to the mailing list, please email chris.freestone@swansea-union.co.uk