PLASTIC & RECYCLING

• Almost all kinds of plastic packaging are recyclable - just make sure any food packaging has been rinsed.

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• Non-recyclable plastic includes: black plastic bags, polystyrene foam and things like crisp packets and sweet wrappers.

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• Try to buy loose items: most supermarkets do have plastic-free items. In alternative, Gloucester green, the Covered Market and South and East Oxford Farmers & Community Market are also a great option!

FOOD

Try to reduce your red meat and dairy products consumption, as these are highly resource intensive:

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• Beef and pork production has one of the largest water footprints in agricultural industry.

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• Livestock farming ranks among the three greatest contributors to both greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation.

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• Cattle ranching is the number one cause of deforestation.

FAST FASHION

• The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of the world’s carbon footprint and is the second greatest polluter of local freshwater in the world.

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• Try to buy second-hand: Oxford charity shops and Gloucester Green Market have lots of good (and vintage) clothes.

ENJOYING OXFORD

• Oxford is a wonderful place in terms of environmental work: there are many fascinating talks throughout every term, and many groups to join. For example, the Oxford Climate Society and the Oxford Climate Justice Campaign.

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• Rejoice in the beauty of the natural world: spending time among the wonderful trees and peaceful parks in Oxford is a good reminder that nature brings us so much joy, and it needs to be protected. Particularly lovely places are: the University Parks, Wytham Woods, Port Meadow, and various college gardens.

LIFESTYLE

The earth’s resources are finite: In a society which encourages us to consume more and pretend the earth’s resources are infinite, we can show compassion to other humans and animals in the world by being thoughtful about what we really need to live a happy and healthy life, and what is just the excess consumption which we have become so used to.

Together making small changes in our lifestyle will really help our planet!​

• Turn off lights when leaving a room.

• Do not have the heating on when the windows are open.

• Make sure taps are properly closed so as not to waste water. 

• Try to have 5-minute showers.