The Green Review

Covid-19 has impacted our lives in a way that would have previously been inconceivable. However, this time has shown us that we have the ability to make amazing changes.

We added masks to our wardrobe.

We mastered social distancing.

We conquered virtual life.

Now let’s make one more change.

As life begins to get back to normal, we are in a unique opportunity to reset and decide what normal means. At UNB Sustainability we wanted to share some tips for how you can ensure that your return to work starts a change towards a more sustainable lifestyle and make sure that when you’re Coming Back, you’re Coming Back Sustainably.

• Bring your own

We’re certain you know the impact that single use items have on the environment. If you go out on a lovely this weekend, it won’t take you long to find a Tim Hortons cup on the floor. While the use of reusable cups, water bottles, and cutlery has been limited due to Covid-19, we still want to make sure that everybody uses them wherever they can to work to reduce single-use waste.

If you want to go the extra mile, bring it from home! Bring your own coffee in a thermos – as an added bonus you get to pick you coffee beans, allowing you to select the tastiest and fairest trade coffee you can!

Become a better cook during lockdown? Show off! Bringing your home cooked meal in a reusable container can help you reduce the packaging waste that often comes with store-bought meals while ensuring you don’t waste food at home. Go even further and try some vegan or vegetarian, making it even more sustainable! 

Check out our Backpack Must-Haves to help you start your zero-waste journey

• Travel Green

While studying/working remotely has had many challenges, most people probably enjoyed the lack of a commute with no need to “park up at the Aitkens Centre” to find that parking spot. Also, while working remotely many of us have managed to spend that extra time enjoying our neighbourhood on foot or by bike.

When transitioning back to life on campus we want to make sure that people think about how they travel. Keep active and change your old habits. Cycle to work! There are approximately 30 bike rack locations that offer convenient access to almost any building on campus.

Changing your commuting routine is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and get fitter without even trying! As a bonus you will spend less on fuel and car maintenance while ensuring a more reliable commute time.

Don’t want to cycle? You can walk! Live too far away? Get a bus part way and cycle the rest!

No bus? Try carpooling or saferide for Fredericton and Saint John students!

Do whatever action you can and Travel Green.

To start you on your journey, check out REI's (Recreational Equipment, Inc.) Intro to Bike Maintenance Video, List of Key Tools for your bike, and their full list of Care and Repair guidance.

• Spread the Word

We’re certain you’re thinking that the impact little ol’ you have is so small that these changes could not possibly make any sort of difference. That is both true and false. While yes, your small action is a drop in the bucket it is important to think about your ripple effect. Humans are highly social creatures, and your actions and words can encourage others.

Our brains are wired to want to fit in, when you follow a certain lifestyle or cause, everyone around you unconsciously makes note of it and automatically ask themselves if they should be doing it too. If you make these sustainable changes, and encourage your friends to do the same, you start a ripple that can grow into a massive wave.

Small Actions when Multiplied by Millions of People can Transform the World.

You can then take this concept to the next level by increasing your sphere of influence. If you swap to a plastic free lifestyle, that’s great! Getting your friends to do the same, that’s even better! But to create real change, you need to push at the policy level.

Start letter writing campaigns, protest injustices and get out the vote. These are key ways that you can help create the pressure needed to get the changes that our society needs to head towards a sustainable future.

Follow and tag us on social media to share your successes!

Facebook: facebook.com/unbsustain     

Instagram: @UNBSustain

Twitter: @UNBSustain

…or maybe write about your story for the Green Review?