Simple steps to be more sustainable
Are you ready to be more sustainable?
This Go Green Week (13 November – 17 November 2023) is a time to reflect on our impact on the planet, encourage changes in our daily lives and unite against the important global challenges of climate change.
Throughout the week, Old Joe will be lit up green to mark the occasion, encourage reflection, and celebrate the important efforts being made individually, nationally, and globally to protect our planet. We also have a wide selection of events occurring on campus to get involved in. Browse through a selection of what’s on:
Taste of the Future
Cuore, The Green Heart – under the walkway near the Arts Building
Monday 13 November, 11:00-15:00
Come along to find out more from our catering teams and suppliers on campus about their sustainability efforts. Pick up some plant-based samples from Eat Curious, learn about Food Fellows Fairtrade goods, rice husk cups and reusable bottles, and much more.
Upcycling T-Shirts into Cushions
Sense Touchbase Pears, Bristol Road, Selly Oak
Monday 13 November, 12:00-15:00
Pop down to this FREE event run by the Community Wardens. Upcycle old t-shirts into cushions to jazz up your bed, sofas, or chairs. Bring along any old t-shirts or use one provided at the event. Drinks and snacks will also be provided.
Haazar Sustainable Student Market Place
Mermaid Square, Guild of Students
Tuesday 14 November, 10:30-17:00
Did you know that global clothing production represents the third largest manufacturing industry in the world? Hazaar, the brain child of UoB alumni Harriet Noy, are working to produce a zero-waste marketplace which is tailored specifically to students. Come along to trade, sell, and purchase second-hand clothing and items to reduce the impact we're making on our planet.
Thriving Futures: The role of the University in shaping policy for a more sustainable world
Wednesday 15 November, 13:00-14:00
Hear from key stakeholders at the University of Birmingham who are working with politicians and businesses to help ensure climate policy is based on the best possible research. Register to sign up for the Zoom webinar.
Bike Valeting
Gear Up Bike Shop, Staff House Square – near Kimiko and Costa
Thursday 16 November, 14:00-17:00
Bring your bikes to get a FREE winter valet, register your bike for FREE and pick up a FREE D-lock for your bike. There will also be bike lights which are available to purchase to make yourself more visible as the days grow shorter and nights get darker. Find out more information on the Student Intranet.
For more events and information, head over to the University's Green Week page.
Top tips to save energy and money on your bills
Reducing the energy you consume can be great for the environment, but it can also have a huge impact on your bills too. In the current cost of living crisis, this can be an important factor to consider. Here are some of our top tips to save energy and money on your bills:
- When it’s light outside or you leave a room, make sure to turn off your lights. Natural light is great for you! A good lighting substitute is using a lamp instead of overhead lights.
- Appliances such as toasters and kettles can be switched off when they are not being used. Simple tricks like this can save you up £65 a year.
- As the days grow colder, it can be tempting to have the heating on all day but by switching it over to a timer, wearing warm clothing and reducing the temperature of the thermostat, you can seriously reduce your energy consumption and bills. Did you know that for every degree higher than 20 degrees Celsius that you turn your thermostat up to, your bill will go up by 10%?
- To save on water bills, limit your shower time. The ideal amount of time to spend in a shower is just 4 minutes! Also, remember to turn off the tap whilst brushing your teeth, shaving, and washing your face.
- Oh no! It’s that time again when you’ve ran out of clean socks, and you’ve got to do your washing. If you run the cycle on a lower temperature and refrain from using a tumble drier, you can cut down your energy bills. Try hanging up your clothes to dry on radiators or clothes airers.
If the Cost of Living Crisis is having a large impact on your day-to-day life, there are resources and support available on the Student Intranet.