12 Zero-Waste and Sustainability Tips for Nottingham Students

 A big Shop Zero welcome to all students coming to Nottingham!

This blog post is based on the zero-waste and sustainability experiences of Bianca, who studied at Nottingham Trent University and now works at Shop Zero. It was originally published in 2020 and has been updated for students living in Nottingham today.

Hi, I’m Bianca. I graduated from Nottingham Trent University and I’m here to give you my Student Guide to Zero-Waste Living in Nottingham!

If you are new to the city and want to pursue a more sustainable way of living, then read on.

Personal note

When I first arrived in the UK from Romania, I was shocked by the amount of plastic used in supermarkets, especially the excessive packaging around fruit and vegetables.

I officially joined the zero-waste movement at the beginning of my second year as a student at Nottingham Trent University. This was when I purchased my first reusable water bottle, reusable coffee cup and set of reusable steel straws.

I remember looking for environmental shops in Nottingham when I stumbled across a Shop Zero pop-up event on Facebook. It was run by Sarah, the owner of Shop Zero. Who would have known that I would end up volunteering and then working with Sarah? I call it destiny!

Living sustainably in Nottingham

1. Learn about Nottingham’s carbon-neutral ambition

Nottingham has set an ambition to become the first carbon-neutral city in the UK by 2028. This is known as Carbon Neutral Nottingham 2028, or CN28.

You can find out more about the city’s climate plans and how to get involved through Carbon Neutral Nottingham. You can also see some of our previous CN28 challenges in our Highlights on Instagram.

2. Use public transport

We are lucky to have great bus and tram services in Nottingham. Nottingham City Transport operates biogas and electric buses and offers discounted travel options for students. Nottingham’s tram network also offers student tickets and passes.

Walking or cycling for shorter journeys can be another affordable way to explore the city.

3. Find a student community

You can join zero-waste, sustainability and other societies at your university, or you can start your own! There are also some great local environmental groups and online communities where you can exchange ideas and discover events or volunteering opportunities. 💚

4. Have a zero-waste starter kit

Get yourself a reusable water bottle, fabric shopping and produce bags, and a reusable cup for takeaway coffee or tea. Some cafés offer discounts when you bring your own cup.

You can then make other small changes to your everyday habits, such as swapping to a bamboo toothbrush. You do not need to buy everything at once, begin with the swaps that are most useful to you.

5. Reuse what you already have

Sustainable living does not mean replacing everything you own with brand-new “eco-friendly” products. Continue using the bottles, bags, food containers and other reusable items you already have.

Old jars and containers can also be cleaned and reused for food, household and personal-care refills. They do not need to match or look perfect to be useful!

6. Choose refills

Reuse your detergent, toiletry and food containers by bringing them to a zero-waste shop and checking the available options. Remember, it’s not all about pretty packaging.

Refill shops also allow you to buy the quantity you need, which can be particularly helpful when you are cooking for one, trying something new or managing a student budget.

7. Buy only what you need

Buying in larger quantities can sometimes reduce packaging and save money, but only if you will use everything. Plan your shopping, share suitable bulk purchases with your housemates and avoid buying more than you need.

At Shop Zero, we also offer delivery and postal services if it is not convenient for you to visit the shop.

8. Shop in charity shops

Depending on the area of the city in which you live, you should find several second-hand shops. The city centre has White Rose, Oxfam and many more that you can browse through.

Charity shops can be great places to find affordable clothes, books, kitchenware and items for your student accommodation. You never know what gems you might find!

9. Look for unpackaged fruit, vegetables and baked goods

🍒🍎 Depending on where you live, you might find greengrocers, markets, bakeries and other local shops offering fresh products with little or no plastic packaging. Some items may also be cheaper than those found in chain supermarkets.

10. Use digital notes and university resources

Use your university library to the fullest by borrowing books, using electronic resources and finding out whether laptops or other devices are available to borrow.

If you need to purchase a tablet or laptop, look for a good-quality device that is designed to last. A professionally refurbished device may also be a more affordable option.

11. Get wise about recycling and waste disposal

Check the local guidelines for waste disposal and discuss the system with your flatmates. Remember, not everything placed in the recycling bin will actually be recycled, and putting the wrong items in can contaminate the recycling. 

Try to follow the waste hierarchy: refuse, reduce, reuse, refill, repair, repurpose, rot and, lastly, recycle.

12. Come to Shop Zero!

We give students 5% off all year round when you show your student ID in the shop! Check out our social media for Special Student Discounts! 

Bring your own containers and come and explore our food, household and personal-care refills. If you have never visited a refill shop before, we will be happy to show you how everything works!