LIVING SUSTAINABLY IN OUR RESIDENCES

Some of the biggest ways to reduce your carbon footprint happen within your student residence. Between water consumption from daily showers and dishwashing, to using the radiator and kettle, small things around your residence can make a big difference. 

Our day-to-day residence life suggestions are just part of FIE's overall mission to promote green living. Read more about our Sustainability values and initiatives on our webpage. 

SAVE ENERGY

Solar panels, wind turbines, and biomass boilers – eco bling is great – but there is no greater gesture than simply using less energy in the first place! Here’s how:

• Turn off the lights and any electronics when they’re not in use
• Don’t leave appliances on standby
• Turn off your laptops or switch them to hibernate rather than standby
• Unplug or switch off chargers and any electronics or appliances with battery packs (i.e. a laptop) at the wall because they continue to consume energy even if they’re not connected to the device they power
• Wash clothes on the lowest temperature setting (30°c) and only when you have a full load
• Only fill the kettle with as much water as you need

SAVE WATER

It's true, we are in England and water falls out of the sky all the time! But believe it or not, the south-east of England is drier than Syria.

• Turn off the taps completely
• Don’t leave the water running when you brush your teeth or do the dishes
• Take shorter showers

REUSABLE TOTE BAGS

During orientation, you will receive a fun, reusable cotton tote bag and asked to use it rather than amassing plastic shopping bags when you go shopping. You can feel good about carrying this lightweight bag.

REDUCE WASTE

• All students receive a free FIE bag on arrival - use it instead of wasting plastic bags!
• Buy an FIE water bottle at Student Life to refill throughout the semester - the money supports our selected charity, Marol Academy, a school in South Sudan!
• Be careful not to waste food by watching expiry dates, freezing leftovers, sharing excess with others and not leaving food out to spoil.
• Buy food that is locally produced and in season. Visit the South Kensington Farmers’ Market for local food that is cheaper, fresher and earth-friendly!
• Reuse any plastic bags and recycle used products
• Support your local charity shop by donating old items and buying “vintage” from them
• Participate in FIE's end of semester Donation Drive

REDUCE CONSUMPTION OF TOXIC OR POLLUTING PRODUCTS

• Buy and use rechargeable batteries.
• Use eco-friendly laundry detergents, cleaning products (e.g. Ecover) and cosmetics/toiletries.

REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT AND LIVE MORE ETHICALLY

• Walk or use public transport instead of taxis
• Try traveling by train instead of airplane – if you must fly, offset your carbon emissions with FIE's carbon offsetting partner, ClimateCare
• Buy local and organic produce, and use this as an excuse to frequent the many farmers’ markets in London.
• Eat less meat and fish