Protecting Our Campus and the Planet: How Exeter Students Can Make a Difference
Being a student at the University of Exeter means being part of a community: one that extends beyond lecture theatres and libraries to include our campus, the city of Exeter, and the environment around us. It is therefore our responsibility to respect and protect these spaces and play an important role in combatting climate change and environmental pollution. The good news is that making a positive impact doesn’t require huge changes. Often, it’s the small, everyday actions that matter most.
A Walkable City, a Smaller Carbon Footprint
One of the greatest benefits of Exeter is how walkable it is: many student accommodations, campus buildings, shops, and social spaces are within easy walking distance. Choosing to walk or cycle instead of driving where possible is one of the simplest ways to reduce your carbon footprint.
Walking helps to lower carbon emissions, reduce air pollution, and ease congestion in the city. It also comes with added benefits for your own wellbeing, from getting fresh air and exercise to giving yourself a mental break between lectures. For students living near campus or in the city centre, walking is an easy and effective way to support a more sustainable Exeter.
Recycling Right on Campus
A clean campus isn’t just about appearances, it’s also about protecting wildlife, green spaces, and shared environments. We can all make a difference by picking up rubbish and making sure that we dispose of waste correctly.
Recycling is one of the most accessible ways students and staff can help to protect the environment but, if done incorrectly, recycling can contaminate whole batches of waste, meaning recyclable items may end up in landfill. Across campus, clear signage on bins shows what can and can’t be recycled. Taking a moment to check before throwing something away can make a real difference. Rinsing food containers, separating food waste, and avoiding placing non-recyclable items in recycling bins all help improve the effectiveness of campus recycling systems.
Reduce, Reuse, Rethink
Sustainability isn’t about being perfect, it’s about making conscious every-day choices where possible. Simple habits can significantly reduce waste and environmental impact.
Easy changes include the following:
- Using reusable water bottles, cups, and shopping bags
- Avoiding unnecessary single-use plastics
- Buying second-hand textbooks, clothes, or household items
- Donating unwanted items at the end of term instead of throwing them away
These small actions not only benefit the planet but can also save money - a win-win for students.
Getting Involved with Sustainability at Exeter
Beyond individual actions, students can make an even bigger impact by getting involved in sustainability initiatives through the Students’ Guild and the wider university. From environmental campaigns and volunteering opportunities to student-led projects and events, there are many ways to contribute.
Getting involved allows students to:
- Learn more about environmental issues
- Meet like-minded people
- Create meaningful change during their time at Exeter
- Gain knowledge and experience to add to your CV
Small Actions, Big Impact
Protecting the environment can feel overwhelming, but change starts with everyday choices. By walking more, recycling properly, keeping campus clean, and reducing waste, Exeter students can help protect both their campus and the planet.