Welcome to the Loughborough University Sustainability Blog Guide – your go to guide to practical yet fun ways to live and work more sustainably. This blog series is part of Sustainability Week (10-14 November) and is designed to support both students and staff in making meaningful sustainable changes.

As the seasons change and we head into a time of reflection and celebration, it’s worth taking a moment to think about the impact of our everyday purchases. Whether you’re a student or staff member, your consumer choices can shape a more sustainable future and save you money too.

Tips and to-do’s

• Find out your carbon footprint: Understanding your impact is the first step to reducing it. You can use the WWF Carbon Footprint Calculator.
• Buy only what you need: Consider the carbon cost of different products before purchasing. From production to packaging to transport, every product has a carbon cost.
• Choose local or UK-made products: This helps reduce emissions from long-distance transport and supports local businesses. The weekly Loughborough market is a great place to start!
• Keep your tech longer: Avoid upgrading phones and devices unnecessarily. You can extend the life of your devices by repairing, updating software and using protective cases.
• Avoid fast fashion: Use platforms like eBay, Vinted and Depop to find stylish second-hand clothes.
• Reuse, repair, upcycle: Give clothing, furniture, and household items a second life. Learn basic repair skills to reduce waste and save money.
• Shop second-hand: Loughborough has a great selection of charity shops worth exploring, offering clothes to kitchenware.
• Use Pilkington Library: Borrow books instead of buying new ones reduces paper waste and saves money. Loughborough University’s Pilkington Library has a wide range of resources for study and leisure reading.
• Go plastic-free: Choose products with minimal or no plastic packaging where possible. Re-fill shops and eco-friendly brands often offer better alternatives for household goods and toiletries.

Did you know?

Everything we buy has a carbon impact. The fashion industry is responsible for about 10% of global carbon emissions. By making more mindful choices, you can reduce your footprint and support a more sustainable economy.

Try this

Pick one item you were planning to buy new and try to find a second-hand alternative instead. You’ll likely notice a positive impact on both your wallet and the planet.