Fun and simple ways to live sustainably on campus

New year, new opportunities and a fresh chance to elevate your lifestyle while contributing to a healthier planet!

A new year isn’t just a reset button. It’s your chance to level up your lifestyle while making a positive impact on the planet. Weaving sustainable habits in your daily routine can boost your well-being while contributing to a healthier environment. Small steps, like rethinking everyday choices and cutting down on waste, can add up to a brighter and greener future for everyone.

Let’s be real, saving the planet might seem overwhelming, but at Humber Polytechnic, it’s practical, exciting and within reach. Whether you’re grabbing a bite to eat, exploring campus or cutting back on waste, the Humber’s Office of Sustainability is here to make it easy and fun. The office helps students embrace living sustainably and make eco-friendly practices a part of everyday life. With innovative programs, practical tips and resources tailored for students, they’re making it easier than ever to reduce your footprint while thriving on campus.

Ready to start the year with planet-friendly vibes? We reached out to the Office of Sustainability and they provided tips to make eco-conscious living second nature:

Participate in “Take Back the Tap” and “Friendlier” initiatives

A person getting food with a Friendlier container. — *Picture by IGNITE.*

The Take Back the Tap and Friendlier initiatives are all about upgrading your bottles and reusable containers game while saving the planet. Toss out (well, metaphorically) those single-use containers and dive into reusable ones.

Fun fact: Just two meals a week in these containers can save 50 containers from becoming landfill clutter. Plus, you’ll feel like an eco-warrior every time you chow down.

Support Fairtrade products

A gif of a man drinking on a mug and saying, "Cheers." — *Via GIPHY*

Morning caffeine fix? Check. Eco-friendly impact? Double check. By choosing Fairtrade-certified coffee, tea and chocolates, you’re not just fueling your day. You’re fueling a movement for ethical farming and sustainability. Fairtrade ensures that farmers and workers are paid fairly for their efforts, work under safe conditions and use environmentally friendly practices.

It’s a simple yet powerful choice that turns your daily rituals into opportunities for positive change. Next time you sip your morning mocha or enjoy a soothing cup of tea, know that you’re making a meaningful impact, one delicious sip at a time.

Who knew your favourite pick-me-up could help brew a better world?

Reduce energy consumption

A gif of a woman closing her laptop and looking relieved. — *Via GIPHY*

Lights off, chargers unplugged and laptop set to low brightness—it’s all about embracing the low-key energy-saving lifestyle that makes a big difference with minimal effort. These simple habits may seem small but they add up over time and help you reduce your carbon footprint without breaking a sweat.

From cutting back on standby power by unplugging devices to dimming your screen, these are tiny tweaks with huge environmental benefits. Not only will you be conserving energy but you’ll also likely see a drop in your utility bills! It’s proof that even the chillest approach to sustainability can make a meaningful impact.

Explore the sustainability trail

Sustainability trail plaque at the Lakeshore campus. — *Picture by IGNITE.*

Did you know Humber has its very own sustainability trail? It’s the perfect mix of a scenic nature walk and an educational eco-adventure. This hidden gem on campus invites you to step outside, explore the lush greenery and see how Humber is leading the charge in sustainability.

Stroll solo or with friends and enjoy a great spot to soak up fresh air and learn about the innovative ways Humber is keeping it green. From energy-saving initiatives to biodiversity conservation efforts, the trail highlights how small actions can make a big difference. Plus, the good vibes and Instagram-worthy moments are just the cherry on top.

Ready to walk the talk and embrace campus life sustainably? The sustainability trail is waiting. Just follow the green plaques located across campus!

Ride sustainably

Many people—and animals—riding bicycles. — *Via GIPHY*

Ditch the solo car rides and embrace more sustainable modes of transportation like public transit, biking or even good old-fashioned walking. Not only will you be reducing your carbon footprint and helping the planet, but you’ll also save money by cutting out gas, parking and maintenance costs.

The extra steps add up, it’s a win for your health too!

New Year, same you—just greener

Living sustainably isn’t just a trend. It’s a glow-up for you and the planet. With these simple initiatives, you’ve got all the tools to be the eco-champion you were meant to be. So why not start now?

Swap that single-use sadness for reusable realness, grab your Fairtrade coffee and hit the sustainability trail for some green inspo. Trust us, your future self (and the planet) will thank you. Ready to make sustainability your vibe? Let’s do this!

Got some tips for staying green? Whether it’s upcycling old items into something new or crafting eco-friendly hacks for campus life, we want to hear about it! Share it with us @shareignite how you live sustainably and inspire others to go green!

Feature image courtesy of Ben White via Unsplash.

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