Blog by Jack Lydon, Welfare & Community Student Officer
As a student, sustainable living doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be simple, social, and even a bit of fun!
From changing how you travel to campus to making use of the Swap Shop, there are plenty of ways to make a positive impact on our environment while you study!
Whether you’re a seasoned eco-warrior or just curious about where to start building sustainable habits, we’ve put together a guide to help you find out more about Queen’s upcoming Active Challenge as well as small changes you can implement to make your everyday life more sustainable.
1. Take Part in the Active Travel Challenge
If you’re in the mood to switch up your routine, Queen’s ‘Active Travel Challenge’ is taking place from the 13-26 of April; two weeks jam-packed with ways to learn more about sustainable travel and what could work best for you.
From events happening in One Elmwood Foyer like signing up for a Y-Link card with Translink to save big on travel expenses, attending a Fairtrade coffee morning with Liftshare, and grabbing a bike-powered smoothie to things happening in the wider community like taking part in a community bike ride through Botanic Gardens and taking a day trip to Bangor on the train – there are plenty of activities to get involved in and build a more sustainable daily routine!
Plus, there’s lots of perks for getting involved in the challenge, such as a free 100-minute Beryl Bike bundle – a free and sustainable way to explore the city!
Check out Queen’s What’s On for more information.
2. Switch to Reusable Bottles
Did you know that an estimated average of 35.8 million plastic bottles are used EVERY DAY in the UK, but only 19.8 million are recycled each day. This means there are on average 16 million plastic bottles a day not making their way into the recycling bin!
Everyone deserves access to free, clean drinkable water. In the Union we have hydration stations on each floor to help keep your costs down while you do your bit for the planet. If you’re curious about other sites on campus where you can refill your water bottle- check out this handy map!
3. Use the Swap Shop
Located on the Ground Floor of the SU, the Swap Shop is a great way to keep your shopping habits sustainable! By donating your pre-loved items, you can help reduce waste by keeping your pre-loved pieces in circulation for longer, giving someone else the chance to give your clothes a second life!
The best part? For every item you donate, you can pick one up! Whether you’re keen to refresh your wardrobe, or love hunting for the perfect second-hand find, the Swap Shop is an easy way to shop more sustainably. It’s better for your wallet, and the planet!
4. Get Inspired at the Queen’s Arts and Sustainability Festival
If you’re not quite ready to pass on your wardrobe favourites, why not give upcycling a go? As part of Queen’s Reach’26 Arts and Sustainability Festival, an upcycling workshop ‘From Waste to Wardrobe’ will be taking place in The Cube on the 21st of April.
This hands-on lunchtime activity offers a space for you to be creative, explore circular design, and learn simple techniques for giving old clothing items a new purpose! Come along for a bite to eat, a break between lectures, and an opportunity to revamp your wardrobe with expert facilitators.
If you’re keen to get even more experimental, why not challenge yourself at ‘The Repair Project’. A collaboration with the Belfast School of Art, you can be a part of building a large-sale piece of artwork that celebrates the craft of repairing, mending, and extending the life of the things we love.
5. Make use of Free Period Products
Free period products are also available in bathrooms across campus, so you’ll never be caught out when you need them. You can find a list of locations here
Off-campus, free period products are readily available in every public library across Northern Ireland for anyone who needs them, including mobile libraries.
Nadine, your Postgraduate Education Officer, will also be handing out free reusable Hey Girls period products in the SU Foyer on Wed 15 Apr from 12:30-2:30pm. Grab a freebie while stocks last and learn how small swaps can make a big impact for you and the planet.
Period poverty is a growing issue, and no student should have to worry about missing a class, feeling uncomfortable, or accessing essential products while trying to focus on their studies.
However you choose to get involved in sustainable living at Queen’s, every action counts! If you’d like to take on a more frequent role, why not give our Handy Helpers programme a go? It’s a flexible way to volunteer and contribute to the sustainability of our local community.
