How to be an 'Ethical Student'

Breaking news... it IS possible to be an ethically-minded student AND to have fun! Here are some top tips on how to enjoy student life, save a few quid and do your bit for people and the planet at the same time!

1. Shop locally: Instead of trudging round the supermarket, why not check out your local independent greengrocers, bakers and specialist food shops? Shopping locally keeps money (and jobs) here in Sheffield. Also, look out for 'locally produced' goods which have travelled fewer miles to reach you!
2. Raid charity shops: What better way to help a good cause, reuse unwanted goods AND find a bargain than checking out your local charity shop?
3. Get a bike: Cycling is great exercise, saves you money and reduces your personal carbon footprint! The University holds regular bike sales or you can check out Ebay for decent second hand bikes. If cycling seems a bit daunting, Pedal Ready offer free one to one sessions to get you bike-confident: visit www.pedalready.co.uk to book a session.
4. Go veggie (or even better, go vegan!): Livestock farming is a major contributor to global climate change, so you'll be doing both yourself and the planet a favour by reducing your meat and dairy consumption and eating more plant-based alternatives. Also you'll save yourself a few quid as greens tend to be cheaper than meat. Visit www.vegsoc.org for helpful advice on a meat-free diet.
5. Join People and Planet, the UK's leading student group taking action on world poverty and the environment: The Sheffield group meets every Wednesday and we get up to all sorts, from petitions to lobbying to creative actions! Email us at peopleandplanet@sheffield.ac.uk to find out more!

Fancy a closer look at the 'Ethical' side of Sheffield? Then join our Ethical Tour of Sheffield, Friday 23rd September, departing 1pm from the main Students' Union entrance. Followed by drinks at a suitably 'ethical' location!