Sustainability and Environment student Daisy Knight shares everyday habits you can start today to help reduce waste and take climate action.
Climate action can feel complex or overwhelming, but for me it’s been about starting small and doing what’s realistic. My everyday actions are imperfect, but I try. Here are some habits I’ve picked up that you can try and implement too.
1. Bring a reusable drink bottle
So much waste comes from single‑use items, and bringing your own drink bottle, containers or coffee cup is a simple way to get started. It’s a small habit, but with research showing that even bioplastics often end up in landfill rather than breaking down, choosing reusables really does make the biggest difference.
And, as an added bonus, a lot of cafés on campus give you extra discounts if you BYO cup!
2. Sub in more plants
Try adding more plant-based options into your diet. You don’t need to go vegetarian or vegan – even having plant-based meals 2-3 days per week can help reduce emissions.
And the impact is bigger than you might expect; according to The Institute of Sustainable Futures, a plant-based beef-style burger has about 90% lower global warming impact than a standard beef burger.
3. Ditch the car
I always take public transport to uni. Depending on where you live, there are plenty of options to get you to the city campus, including bus, train and light rail. Road emissions in Australia have doubled since 1990, meaning choosing lower-emission travel is a tangible step in the right direction.
If you prefer to ride, there are lots of bike lanes around Sydney city, and UTS has secure bike parking in Buildings 10, 5 and 8, so biking can be a really easy (and fun) way to commute.
4. Write to your MP
One of the most powerful things you can do is write to your local MP about climate issues. It might feel small, but it’s an important way to influence how government policy is shaped.
If you’re not sure where to start, I like to attend Climate Writers who run regular events to guide you through the process. And you won’t be alone; 3 out of 4 of their attendees have never written to an MP before!
5. Build your sustainability community
There are so many cool sustainability events happening around UTS and in Greater Sydney. My main advice is to attend them regularly to build a community of like-minded people and contribute to meaningful climate action.
The Sustainability Alliance of Student and Staff (SASS) runs lots of social and professional events and being in the society has given me a practical understanding of how sustainability works in real organisations.
Featured student
Daisy Knight
President, Sustainability Alliance of Students and Staff (SASS)