Plastic-Free University
Whether you’re a fresher or returning to uni, our top tips for reducing single-use plastic – and saving money – will help you start the new term
As a student heading to university, there’s a lot to think about—meeting new people, finding your way around campus, and of course, trying to survive on a budget. But have you thought about your plastic footprint? Single-use plastics are everywhere, from takeaway coffee cups to plastic pint glasses to our first big supermarket shop. The good news? It’s easier than ever to avoid these pesky plastics and be part of the solution! With a few simple swaps and some clever hacks, you can choose reuse over single-use, do your bit for the planet, and even save some pounds while you’re at it…
Refuse, Reuse, Refill, Repeat
A great starting point when stocking up on uni supplies is to buy a reusable water bottle. A must-have for any student, investing in one will save you loads of money in the long run as you can carry with you and refill it at fountains across campuses instead of buying bottled water. Make sure you download the free Refill app to see where you can refill it for free, and you can stay hydrated, save money and help prevent plastic pollution – win, win, win!
Cup Conscious
That daily takeaway coffee might get you through your 9am lecture, but it doesn’t need to cost the earth. Invest in a reusable coffee cup to avoid contributing to the single-use coffee cup problem and use the Refill app to find out where you can get coffee to go in it. Many cafes offer a discount for bringing your own cup, so you’ll be saving money while saving the planet. Your uni may even have its own returnable cup scheme. If not, encourage them to look into it and put them in touch with us – we can help them implement one!
Bag Some Style
Say goodbye to plastic bags forever and instead carry a tote bag, foldable bag or bag for life. They’re more durable, fashionable, and adaptable for whether you’re carrying groceries, books, or gym gear. Make sure to have one handy in your bag or pocket, so you’re never caught without a reusable option on-the-go.
Shop savvy
When it comes to food shopping, bring your own containers to the local market or food store to cut down on unnecessary packaging when shopping for bulk items like pasta, rice, or nuts. Choose loose when it comes to buying fruit and veg that isnt wrapped in plastic packaging and you’ll save money too by only buying exactly what you need! Use the Refill app to find zero waste shops or places that offer packaging free options.
Join the Refill Revolution
Inspired to be a part of a bigger environmental movement? Consider starting your own Refill community group with other students. Together, you could petition for them to install more drinking water refill stations across campus or to implement a returnable cup scheme in their cafes and canteens. Another idea could be to encourage campus shops and cafes to stop selling bottled water altogether or to introduce a plastic-free policy. Together you can show there is demand for refill and reuse amongst students which can lead to real, long-lasting change!
Maximise event opportunities
Events are a great place to engage with fellow students, uni staff and the public with refill and reuse. Investigate having a stall at Freshers Fayre or the societies fayre, or any other events programmes or festivals your university have planned for the year. Look out for any panel events you could pitch to speak at or any environmental events you could get involved with as a Refill community. Or look to organise your own events – Environmenstrual Week, Plastic Free July and World Oceans Day could be good times to plan an event to raise awareness of the issue and encourage people to get involved.
Toiletry tips
Opting for shampoo and soap bars which come without plastic packaging means you save money as they last longer. Refillable options are great too— use the Refill app to find places near you that offer refill of things like soap, body wash, shampoo – you can even get refills of cleaning supplies too!
Second-Hand Savvy
Before you splash out on new items for the new term, check out local charity shops, Facebook marketplace, or community groups for pre-loved items. From kitchen essentials to furniture, clothes to textbooks, buying second-hand reduces the demand for new plastic packaging and gives items a second life. And don’t forget to donate your own unwanted items when you’re done with them, or organise a clothes swap in halls with your new friends – it could be a great way to meet new people.
Help your uni become a Refill Campus
Encourage the student union, the university estates team and academic departments to work together where possible. As a Refill community group, you have the power to make change happen by bringing together the right groups of people and engage them with the issue of plastic pollution and solutions of refill and reuse. Key people to get involved are the Student Union Sustainability Officer and the University Sustainability Officer (usually part of the estates’ team). Speak to them about taking the next step in their sustainability journey and becoming an official Refill Campus. Through our Refill Campus Award programme, we are empowering and enabling universities to make it easy for their students, staff and visitors to choose reuse over single-use and enhance their campuses and university experience.
Take action in the local community
Are all the Refill Stations on campus logged on the Refill app? If you are a city university, there may be many buildings and areas to consider. Is your university connected to a teaching hospital or business units or other institutions? Once you have covered all places connected to the university it may be time to branch out into shops and businesses in the local area. We can help you get out in the community and sign up local cafes, restaurants and businesses as Refill Stations. Get in touch here.
By making these simple swaps and choosing to reuse, you’re not just reducing your plastic use—you’re also inspiring others to do the same. We can’t think of a better way to start (or return to) university than with a lighter plastic footprint, more pounds in the student bank account and the knowledge you are setting a shining example to others. Good luck!
Find out the latest from our campaigns
Break up with Single-Use for Plastic Free July
This Plastic-Free July, we’ve pulled together 10 simple swaps you can do today to reduce the amount of single-use plastic in your life.
Planet-Friendly Periods with Natracare
Planet-friendly periods with NatracareLet’s #BeKind to our bodies and the planet A bloody good period for everyone. Here at City to Sea, we’re committed to ensuring everyone has a bloody good period. Since 2017, through our Plastic-Free Periods campaign, we’ve been...
Plastic-Free Easter
Here are our top tips to make it an eco-friendly egg-stravaganza and avoid the unnecessary plastic, and enjoy a plastic-free Easter.
Plastic-Free Festivals
In recent years we’ve seen festivals taking steps to be more sustainable and reduce the amount of waste – from banning glitter to implementing returnable cup schemes, it’s great to see so many festival organisers finding innovative ways to reduce the impact on the planet whilst still delivering incredible event.
How to Save Money, Save Plastic and Save Christmas
Christmas can mean spending money and buying too much plastic. We’re bringing you top tips to save money, save plastic and save Christmas.
Plastic-Free Halloween
This spooky celebration is pretty scary for the planet to, read our top tips for a less frightening, plastic-free Halloween!