Living sustainably in Oxford

According to government data (DEFRA, 2022), the average UK resident is responsible for the emission of about 11 tonnes of CO₂e per year. This represents a decrease of about 24% in comparison to the peak in 2009.  

This calculation includes both direct emissions (such as transport, heating, local food production, etc.) as well as indirect emissions from goods and services that are produced somewhere else but consumed in the UK.  

It’s important to note that this number varies from one source to another based on the items that are included. For example, some sources will exclude aviation or local production for export.  

You can estimate your personal carbon footprint in one of the available web-based calculated such as this one by WWF. Your individual carbon footprint is likely to be much lower than the average since it does not include all the elements that are calculated in a national level.  

How can you adopt a sustainable lifestyle while living in Oxford  

Just switch it off.  

Here are a few simple steps to reduce your household energy use: 

  • Turn off appliances and lights that you’re not using. Standby mode still uses energy.   
  • Use energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs where possible.  
  • Set your heating a little lower (you can always put on a jumper). Turning your thermostat down by just one degree can save up to 10% of energy consumption. We recommend setting your heating to 19°C (or 66.2 °F). 
  • Use an electric kettle rather than a stovetop one to boil water and when cooking, use a lid.  
  • Run the washing machine and dishwasher on full load using Eco or low temperature settings. 
  • Hang clothes to dry instead of using the dryer. 
  • Be aware and sensible about your energy use; most of the times, your common sense will lead you to the right answer.  

A powerful way to live more sustainably is to eat less meat and dairy products.    Now is an excellent time to explore more sustainable, healthy and creative food options, whether you’re cooking, dining in your college or eating out.   

You don’t have to go vegan but remember, every time you choose a plant-based dish, over meat, makes a difference.   

Beef and lamb are the biggest carbon emitters among the meat sources. Aim for poultry and fish instead. 

Think before you shop 

The best way to manage waste is not to create it in the first place.   

Avoid unnecessary shopping.  

The next time you feel the need to buy something, stop and think. Do you really need it? If so, is there a better, more ethical way to get it?  

  • Can you borrow it, or rent through Share Oxford? 
  • Prefer pre-loved items from one of the second-hand shops in Oxford 
  • Invest in things that will last long and serve you well.  
  • If you choose to buy online, try to consolidate your shopping with friends or housemates to reduce the negative effect of transport and packaging.    
  • Resell or donate items you don’t need them anymore (see more details in the responsible shopper section). 

Recycle as much as possible  

Did you know that processing material for recycling emits less than a third of the carbon equivalent in comparison to general waste of the same volume?  

The University operates the following waste streams: 

Dry mixed recycling – suitable for plastic and metal packaging, metal, paper and cardboard. Make sure that food packaging is washed and has no food leftovers in the right bin.   

Glass recycling – designated bin for glass recycling. Some colleges will have glass in the Dry Mix recycling. Follow notes on the bins.  

Food waste – suitable for all food waste excluding liquids. Oil leftovers can go in a plastic container in the food waste bin.  

General waste – includes all other household waste. General waste is processed in a waste-to-energy facility. None of the University’s non-hazard waste goes to landfill.  

*Electronic waste and batteries should be disposed of in designated collection points. 

**End-of-year clear out – Items that are usable should be brought to the collection point in your college or accommodation to be re-used or donated. Follow local publications in due time.  

The University’s A-Z recycling guide and Oxford City Council directory offer recycling guidance for more unique items.   

Avoid disposables 

Single-use dishes, cutlery, razors, bags, and food storage containers, serve you for just a little while but endure for decades as waste. Even if they are recycled, the environmental cost of each item is much higher than its value.  

By being aware and prepared, you can avoid most disposable items.  

Use a reusable water bottle and reusable coffee/tea cup. Most of University cafes and many others in the city, offer discounts with your own cup.  

Prefer unpacked food such as fruits and vegetables. Bring your own bag for shopping.   

OxUnboxed is operated by students and offers unpacked dry foods as well as reusable items. There are other options in town; look for the one that suits you best.   

When you buy something, consider its life expectancy. How long can the item be used? Will it have more than one use? When you’re done with it, will it end up in the trash? Start investing in reusable products to replace the items you most often throw away. 

 

Buy pre-loved items and resell or donate them if you don’t need them anymore 

Oxford has many excellent second-hand stores operated by charities where you can get your household items, clothes, shoes, book etc. for a low price and then donate or resell them at the end of the year or when you no longer need it.  

You will help the world twice – by reducing your consumption and not throwing away perfectly good items, and by supporting many deserving charities.  

You can also try buying or reselling items through websites and apps such as Vinted, Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace.  

Buy responsibly sourced products such as Fairtrade.

We all mean well, but in the age of greenwashing and access information, it is difficult to know which products are sustainable. Reliable accreditation helps.  To learn and easily recognise the more ethical products and firms, look for standards and indications that the manufacture considers their environment and their workers.   

For example, when you purchase items that are imported from all over the world, particularly coffee, cocoa, sugar, tea, chocolate and fruit, look for the Fairtrade certification. This tells you that these items were grown using sustainable methods of agriculture and that local people are receiving fair prices for what they produce. 

Oxford is a Fairtrade accredited University. Most departmental cafes and some colleges will offer fairtrade items as their default products.   

For most students, the best way to get around Oxford is by walking or cycling. The University offers support in the form of free cycle training for staff and students, bike mechanics and discounts on locks and lights. You can find a guide to buying second-hand bikes on our Travel website and with more options online.   

Another option is shared e-scooters or e-bikes. For this purpose, you will need to set up an account on the designated app.  

Please note, the use of privately owned e-scooters is illegal on public roads. 

If needed, check public transportation options in your area, such as a bus, train, or carpool. The Oxford Travel Options website has all the information you need in one place.  

Avoid flights if not necessary 

The University has a travel policy to reduce carbon emissions from work related flights.  

The UK and many European destinations are easily accessible by train such as Eurostar from the UK. 

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