Climate Conscious Toolkit by UCASU

CLIMATE CONSCIOUS TOOLKIT

SUSTAINABIL SUSTAINABIL SUSTAINABILITY SUSTAINABIL SUSTAINABILITY SUSTAINABIL SUSTAINABILITY SUSTAINABIL SUSTAINABILITY SUSTAINABIL SUSTAINABILITY SUSTAINABIL SUSTAINABILITY SUSTAINABIL SUSTAINABILITY SUSTAINABIL

CONTENTS CONTENTS CONTENTS CONTENTS CONTENTS CONTENTS CONTENTS CONTENTS CONTENTS CONTENTS CONTENTS

1 2 3 4 5

INTRODUCTION

DECLARING A CLIMATE EMERGENCY

BETTER YOUR BIN

BECOMING A SUSTAINABLE STUDENT

TACKLING THE CLIMATE CRISIS

In this toolkit, you will find ways to become more climate conscious in your daily life, how to be a sustainable student, as well as how to support the minimization of climate deterioration by lobbying unsustainable governments and initiatives. While you’re reading this and any other material relating to sustainability and climate consciousness, remember that living sustainably is not a perfect practice. It is better to do what you can most of the time, but do not be discouraged if you aren’t able to be on it 100% of the time. You do not need to own the perfect tote bag with which you do all your shopping, you don’t need to carry around a metal straw and bamboo cutlery. You can if you want, but it’s not required to live sustainably. It’s the small steps that can make a big difference. Sustainability is not fashionable, it’s not an aesthetic. Under a capitalist society, we are taught to believe that we must have the latest and greatest to be a part of a movement. The newest recycled water bottle, the softest workout outfit made from kelp, these are indeed nice, but not sustainable. If we need to buy things to become more sustainable, that is the antithesis of sustainability. Working with what we already have, using and replenishing what the earth provides, learning more about our carbon footprints and taking the steps to lower it, lobbying our government and divesting from companies that do not appreciate the land we live on, these are the steps we can take that will make radical changes.

The climate emergency is a race we are losing, but it is a race we can win. UN Secretary-General, António Guterres.

UCASU remains committed to minimising our environmental impact and we will be facilitating opportunities for students to get involved with green initiatives. By declaring a climate emergency, we are officially acknowledging that we need to act on the causes and impacts of climate change. The UN Environment Programme states that the science of climate change is well established and that human activity, largely the release of polluting gases from burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas), is the main cause1. Climate change and ecological destruction affect all parts of life including what we need and value the most, such as water, food, ecosystems, wildlife, shelter, energy, transportation, health, communities and the economy. The basic human needs of many are already in jeopardy2. Our generation is one of the most disproportionately affected by the climate crisis, and it seems as though we are the only generation that will be able to reverse the damage of previous generations. With sustainability being a key focus for many students, we should be ambitious within our community and expect our creativity to influence this new era. One of our five Union values is being sustainable. By living by our values, we will make sure that we act in the best interests of students while considering how we impact others and our collective future. The ongoing climate crisis often leaves one feeling hopeless, but we are far from powerless in this fight. The student voice is a powerful tool, and has for years been instrumental in fights for justice. Now is the time for radical collective change and action.

You’re not alone, We are in this fight together. In solidarity, Gaebriel Min & Sol Gjøines 21/22 President Surrey & President Kent

1 https://www.unep.org/explore-topics/climate-action/facts-about-climate-emergency 2

https://www.timeshighereducation.com/blog/why-universities-need-declare-ecological-and-climate-emergency

YOUR BIN BETTER YOUR BIN BETTER YOUR BIN BETTER YOUR BIN BETTER YOUR BIN

Do you know what can go in your bins On the next few pages, we have outlined each campus buroughs’ requirements for recycling. It may seem like such a small thing, but making sure you’re putting the right stuff in the right bin helps everything get to the right place. For instance, if just one bit of food waste is found in a truck full of recycling, the whole load goes to landfill. If you don’t see a particular item listed, it’s likely the item can’t be recycled. Please put it in your main bin for general waste. Note some items can’t be put in the general waste and must be disposed of at a local waste point. Please look at your local council website for more information. Also remember that containers that hold food must be thoroughly cleaned before being recycled. Pizza boxes with grease cannot be recycled, but things such as milk cartons and pesto jars, that can be washed, can be.

RECYCLING (BLUE BIN/BOX)

CANTERBURY

YES:

Canterbury City is unable to collect contaminated bins, so please make sure items are clean and loose - not in a bag. • • • • • • •

Aerosols Cartons and Tetrapaks Food tins, Drink cans Fruit tubs, punnets Glass bottles and jars Kitchen foil, aluminium trays Plastic food trays

NO: • • • • • • • • •

Any of the above if half full Any of the above if heavily dirty Any of the above in a bag Black plastic, clingfilm, carrier bags Crisp packets Coat hangers Children’s toys Medicine packets Toothpaste tubes

(RED BIN/BOX) YES:

If you have large amounts of card, bundle them up next to your bin or box in pieces no larger than 60cm square. Make sure they are secure so they don’t blow away. • • • • • • • •

Card, Cardboard Paper (not shredded) Toilet rolls (inner tube) Egg boxes (cardboard) Paperback books Kitchen roll (inner tube) Clean pizza boxes Wrapping paper (non-metallic)

NO: • • • •

Soiled paper Used kitchen/toilet roll Tissue Dirty/Greasy paper & cardboard

CANTERBURY

PAPER & CARD

RECYCLING (BLUE BIN/BOX) YES: • Paper - any colour, printed or plain, including envelopes (even with windows) • Cardboard - any type, like boxes or packaging • Cans and tins - both steel and aluminium, including aerosols (fully expended please). We take bottle/jar lids too • Plastic bottles (lids on), pots, tubs and trays

NO:

EPSOM

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Glass Food Textiles Foil Cartons Drinking glasses Window or mirror glass Ceramics Shredded paper Greasy food boxes Coffee cups Plastic bag/sacks

NOTE: • Put recycling in your bin loose, not bagged • If you have too much recycling for your bin you can leave it next to your bin in a labelled. • Large pieces of cardboard, can be left next to your bin. • Your recycling box is for glass bottles and jars ONLY. You can recycle glass bottles and jars of any colour. You don’t need to remove the labels, but you can take lids off and recycle them in your green recycling bin. • DON’T put your glass in your green recycling bin. Glass in your green bin smashes and devalues the rest of the contents.

(GREY CADDY) YES: • For all food waste (cooked or uncooked) • Meat • Fish • Vegetables • Bones • Plate scrapings

NO: • Bulk liquids such as soup or milk • Packaging

NOTE: • You can line your food caddy with plastic bags. • DON’T put your food in your big, green mixed recycling bin. It can’t be separated from the other stuff, and ruins the rest of the recycling.

EPSOM

FOOD WASTE

FARNHAM (WAVERLEY)

RECYCLING (BLUE BIN) YES: • • • • • • • • • • •

Dry paper Dry card Food tins Drinks cans Plastic bottles with lids on Plastic pots and tubs Plastic trays Foil Glass bottles and jars (lids off) Jar lids Aerosol cans

NO: • • • •

Crisp packets Coffee cups Greasy pizza boxes Tetra Pak cartons

NOTE: • Add only loose items into your recycling bin • Rinse and dry items before recycling • Leave lids on bottles • Tetra Pak and similar laminated packaging are unable to be recycled

(GREEN BIN) YES:

All cooked and uncooked food or uneaten leftovers can be put into your silver caddy. When it’s full, empty it into your green caddy. • Raw and cooked meat/fish (including bones) • Raw and cooked fruit and vegetables (including peelings) • Dairy products such as cheese and eggs (including shells) • Bread, toast, pizza, cakes, biscuits, croissants, pastries, etc • Rice, noodles, pasta, beans, couscous • Uneaten food from your plates including gravy, sauce, custard and leftover takeaway food • Leftover food and ready meals • Tea bags and coffee grounds • Pet food

NO: • • • •

Drinks, such as tea or juice Oil or liquid fat Food packaging Coffee filter paper

NOTE: • You can line your silver food waste caddy with plastic bags or liners, old shopping bags, bread or salad bags as well as newspaper or kitchen towel. • Please do not, however, use plastic food packaging or dispose of extra unwanted plastic bags in your caddy.

FARNHAM (WAVERLEY)

FOOD WASTE

FARNHAM (RUSHMOOR)

RECYCLING (BLUE BIN) YES: • • • •

All rinsed cans and tins All rinsed plastic bottles Cardboard Birthday or Christmas cards (without foil or glitter) • Newspapers, magazines and Yellow Pages • Household paper and envelopes (including those with cellophane windows) • Aerosols

NO: • Black sacks, carrier bags and other plastic packaging • Shredded paper • Wrapping paper • Juice cartons • Aluminium foil • Yoghurt pots, margarine and ice cream tubs, and cling film • Textiles and clothing • Any household or garden waste • Glass • Polystyrene • Kitchen waste

NOTE: • Break down cardboard boxes squash them as flat as possible • Rinse cans, tins and plastic bottles squash them down as much as possible • Put the items loose in your blue bin - no bags

(GREY/BLACK BIN) YES:

It doesn’t matter if the food is mouldy or out-ofdate - it can all go in your food caddy. • • • • • • • • •

Food scrapings and peelings Raw and cooked meat and fish (including bones) Cheese Eggs and eggshells Rice and pasta Bread Tea bags and coffee grounds Fruit and veg Pet food

NO: • Packaging like pots, tubs and trays • Liquids like cooking oil, milk, drinks, liquid fat or gravy

FARNHAM (RUSHMOOR)

FOOD WASTE

FARNHAM (RUSHMOOR)

GLASS

(PURPLE/BLUE BOX) NO: • Pyrex or broken glass - carefully wrap it and put it in your rubbish bin • Drinking glasses - carefully wrap and put them in your rubbish bin • Light bulbs - you can recycle energy efficient light bulbs and fluorescent tubes at your local household waste recycling centre. You can put LED light bulbs into a carrier bag and place out with small electrical items for recycling. Please place this bag on the lid of your blue or green bin (do not place inside your bin or your glass box) • Lids - you can leave metal lids on, please remove any plastic lids or corks and put them in your rubbish bin • Candle jars - most are made from heat resistant glass, so cannot be recycled with food and drink bottles and jars

RECYCLING

(BLUE BAG) YES: • • • • •

Magazines or newspapers Telephone directories Envelopes, junk mail and paper Paper Cardboard

RECYCLING

(WHITE BAG) YES: • • • •

Glass bottles and jars Metal food and drink cans Clean metal foil Plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays

FOOD WASTE (BROWN BIN) YES: • • • • •

Meat and fish Plate scrapings Fruit and vegetable peelings and cores Egg shells Tea bags and coffee grounds

ROCHESTER

HOUSE WITH FRONT GARDEN

HOUSE WITHOUT FRONT GARDEN

RECYCLING

(BLUE BAG) YES: • • • • •

Magazines or newspapers Telephone directories Envelopes, junk mail and paper Paper Cardboard

ROCHESTER

RECYCLING

(WHITE BAG) YES: • • • •

Glass bottles and jars Metal food and drink cans Clean metal foil Plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays

FOOD WASTE (BROWN BIN) YES: • • • • •

Meat and fish Plate scrapings Fruit and vegetable peelings and cores Egg shells Tea bags and coffee grounds

RECYCLING

(CLEAR BAG/BLUE BIN) YES: • • • • • • • • •

Cardboard Paper Magazines or newspapers Telephone directories Envelopes, junk mail and paper Glass bottles and jars Metal food and drink cans Clean metal foil Plastic bottles, pots, tubs, trays and carrier bags

FOOD WASTE (BROWN BIN)

Food and garden waste services are not provided for flats, it is recommended that food waste be placed in your black rubbish sacks.

ROCHESTER

FLATS

STUDENT BECOMING A SUSTAINABLE STUDENT BECOMING A SUSTAINABLE STUDENT BECOMING A SUSTAINABLE STUDENT BECOMING A

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. At UCASU we strive to do just that! We are one of only sixty-five institutions to take part in the NUS Green Impact, a national accreditation which recognises sustainability commitment - we’re proud to have scored ‘Excellent’ every year since 2018! Sustainability is a wide-reaching subject so topics can include areas such as social justice campaigns, recycling, healthy eating, travel and waste. In this section you will find some top tips you can follow as a sustainable student.

PRINT ONLY WHEN NECESSARY When you have to print, consider using one of the recycled paper printers in the library and print double-sided!

CUT DOWN ON PLASTIC You can refill your bottle at water fountains on campus. Tap water in the UK doesn’t need to be filtered, meaning you can drink from most taps. Be sure to look out for the ‘drinking water’ sign around campus. Carrying around a reusable coffee mug can also save you money at coffee outlets on campus and in most coffee chains.

SWITCHING MATERIALS Consider replacing some everyday plastic items like toothbrushes, kitchen sponges and cling film for bamboo/eco alternatives! These alternatives can cost a bit more, but they often last longer meaning you save money in the long term.

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE When getting rid of your waste, check for the recyclable sign and make sure you wash out any tins or cartons before recycling them. If you are unsure on what you can recycle, check your local authority website. Shop at charity shops, mend your clothing and donate unwanted clothing.

DIETARY CHANGES Plant-based diets have a lower environmental impact, so even substituting a couple of meals to plant-based a week can help!

BUY LOCAL Buying locally supports your local economy, local growers and lowers ‘food miles’. Search Big Barn‘s easy-to-use maps for local produce anywhere in the UK. ‘Food miles‘ is the term coined to describe the many environmental consequences of transporting our food greater and greater distances between farm and plate.

LAYER UP Wearing more jumpers, socks, slippers, and putting an extra blanket on the bed means you won’t be tempted to turn the heating up.

COOK WITH FRIENDS If you’re going to use the oven, bake a few meals at a time to get the most out of having your oven on. If you are in a shared house then all of you can cook together in the evenings.

TURN OFF YOUR LIGHTS During the day you can open blinds and curtains to fill rooms with natural light instead of wasting money on lighting. Switching your light bulbs to energy-saving LEDs will save you money on your electricity bill too! Consider switching to renewable energy companies such as Bulb or Ecocity, they are often cheaper too and 100% renewable energy. If bills are included in your rent, why not reach out to your landlord and see if they will make the switch?

GET ACTIVE Walking or cycling from A to B is much better for the environment than taking the car. Little changes like carpooling or taking the bus for long journeys can really help to reduce your carbon footprint.

WASH A BIG LOAD Save money on bills by filling up your washing machine. If it’s warm or windy, why not air-dry your clothes if you can – they will smell great too!

GET INVOLVED Look for local litter picking sessions or treeplanting in your local community. Alternatively, you can get involved in the Sustainability Community and local community work!

Increased commitments can take many forms but overall they must serve to shift countries and economies onto a path of decarbonization, setting targets for net-zero carbon, and timelines of how to reach that target, most typically through a rapid acceleration of energy sourced from renewables and rapid deceleration of fossil fuel dependency. UN Environmental Programme

As a society, we have long been subject to the individualist mindset. Phrases like: “I’m just one person, it’s not going to make a difference” are ones that most of us have heard at one point or another. Can you imagine, however, if every one of the individuals who said this made some small changes in their daily life, joined a community group, or lobbied the government? Although the changes we make as individuals do make a difference, it is the collective work we do within our communities that shapes the way for the future. The collective voice is a powerful one. We are unconsciously being fed the narrative that it is up to the individuals to fix the climate crisis. There are many things we can do as individuals to reduce our carbon footprint and live more sustainably, but at the end of the day, it is not our buying plastic straws that has spun the climate crisis out of control. If we all collectively target our anger and frustration toward the governments and the big corporations who are actually to blame, and away from the individuals, our voices will in turn be amplified.

We can combat the climate crisis collectively by:

Writing to your local and national politicians is a great way of getting involved and using your voice. The website writetothem.com is a great tool to get in touch with the political representatives in your area, or with the house of lords. It makes writing to your MP’s and councillors a much easier task. It will also provide you with tips on when and how to write to your respective representatives.

We can lobby our local and national politicians to: • • • •

Build fewer roads Protect green spaces Stop funding fossil fuel industries Fund better and more affordable public transport • Invest in green energy • Develop Green Pathways into our towns and cities • Encourage sustainable agriculture • Stop the pollution of our rivers and seas There are always email templates available for specific issues made by local activist groups. However, be careful when using these templates as mass amounts of emails that are extremely similar can be easily group selected and deleted. Make sure to always edit these templates with your own personal views and asks as this will make it harder for representatives to ignore them.

NEXT STEPS

WRITING TO POLITICAL REPRESENTATIVES

NEXT STEPS

GETTING INVOLVED WITH LOCAL ACTIVIST GROUPS There are many community organised climate activist groups around the UK, and they are always happy to see new faces. Whether they are actively protesting in the streets of London, creating allotments where the community can grow food, or organising creative workshops, there might be a group out there for you. You can usually find local groups through social media channels like Facebook and Instagram, or by searching for it on google. Bigger groups like Extinction Rebellion and Greenpeace will usually have local volunteering opportunities, and mailing lists where they send out information on events and local action.

Setting up relevant societies through the Students’ Union is a great way of getting yourself and your peers involved in climate activism. A society can be anything you want it to be. Whether you would like to do creative craftivism workshops, active protesting or gardening that encourages biodiversity - we can help you set up and run the climate society you want to see. If there isn’t already a climate related society on your campus, you can easily set one up through our website, by going to the SU office on your campus, or by emailing clubs.su@uca.ac.uk. We always welcome direct feedback. If you have any thoughts and ideas on events, activities or anything else related to sustainability, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us by popping in to the SU office on your campus, or through email at union@uca.ac.uk.

NEXT STEPS

CAMPUS ACTION

VOTE! It might seem like a simple step, but it is an important one. Make sure you are registered to vote in your local and national elections, and exercise your right to vote. You can register to vote by going to https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.