How to help the environment and your bills

Ugh, bills. Do I want to check my bank account? Nope, I really don’t. Saving money on bills is tough, but I also don’t want to save at the expense of the environment! So, here are a few ways to do both.

If You Live in University Halls

If you’re living in halls, chances are your bills are included in the rent. So, what can you realistically do?

• Campaign for greener initiatives: Speak to your student union or halls management about implementing solar power or rainwater collection systems to provide heating, electricity, or water.
• Encourage initiatives like LED lighting or energy-efficient appliances in shared spaces.

If you’re in second year or later, chances are you’re paying bills separately. Here’s where you can start saving!

Water-Saving Tips

Saving on your water bill doesn’t mean resorting to cold showers once a month. Try these ideas:

• Catch unused shower water: Put a bucket in the shower to collect cold water as it warms up. Use that water for your plants, cleaning, or mopping floors.
• Dishwashing: Turn off the tap when scrubbing dishes and only turn it back on for rinsing.
• Brush smarter: Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth. A small change with big impact.
• Limit glass washing: Use a reusable water bottle instead of multiple glasses throughout the day to save washing up.

For more tips on water-saving hacks, check out Waterwise.

Gas and Electricity Savings

Small changes can make a big difference for both your bills and the planet:

• Cook smarter: When making pasta (a student staple), boil water in the kettle first instead of heating it on the stove. Always keep the lid on the pot to cook more efficiently and avoid heat loss.
• Faster phone charging: Put your phone on aeroplane mode while charging—it will charge faster, saving electricity.
• Switch off plugs: Turn off sockets and switches when devices aren’t in use. It’s simple but effective for reducing energy usage.

Learn more energy-saving tips at Energy Saving Trust.

Keeping Warm Without Cranking Up the Heating

Staying warm while keeping your bills low can be tricky, but here are some eco-friendly ideas:

• Hot water bottles: A funky hot water bottle can be a fun way to personalise your room and keep you warm at night.
• Layer up wisely: While avoiding fast fashion is important, investing in second-hand or sustainably made cosy clothes can help you stay warm without contributing to environmental harm.
• Draft-proof your space: Use draught excluders on windows and doors to keep heat in.

For eco-friendly heating products, check out EcoVibe.

Saving on Food Bills

Food bills can be one of the biggest student expenses, but here’s how to save money and reduce waste:

• Buy loose vegetables: Loose veg costs less (usually under £1 per portion), reduces plastic use, and lets you buy only what you need—cutting down on food waste.
• Shop in bulk: Buy items like pasta, rice, or oats in bulk during sales. This reduces both costs and the need for frequent trips to the store.
• Bring your own bags: Avoid the plastic bag charge and reduce plastic waste by always carrying reusable shopping bags.

For more tips on reducing food waste, visit Love Food Hate Waste.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to compromise on your eco-values to save money. With these simple habits, you can tackle your bills while helping the environment at the same time. Every little change counts!