For a big change, we should all start with ourselves. “Change the world, start with yourself” is this article’s moto - a bit paraphrasing the one of the K.U. Leuven. As summer officially starts in a few days and most of you have already planed your vacations, or you are in a mood of doing it, we are here to help you with some useful tips. This to assure that you will not forget your environmental habits. We will also provide some piece of advice for those staying home, because studying never ends. Find yourself between SVS and SSS. Enjoy yourself!

5 tips to make your Summer Vacations Sustainable:

1. Choose the most sustainable mean of transport. On foot, by bicycle or by train are the best ones. Of course, that depends on your destination. In any case, think about alternative holidays and get informed of ways and destinations combining pleasure and environment’s safety. www.ethicaltraveller.org , www.unep.fr/greenpassport
2. Take with you your mug/cup to avoid using plastic ones. Take with you only the things you are going to use and try not to use plastic bags. If you do, do not throw them away. It takes almost 10 centuries to photo-degrade, given  that they do not fully decompose.
3. Water... It is more than vital during summer, but do not use more than you need. In some communities, your hot/cold bath could mean no water for the community.
4. Try the local food and specialties! You will be amazed, as every local community has something special that you will never have the possibility to taste again. The other reason would be to give a boost to local communities income and to reduce the so called “food traveling” which causes also a lot of emissions.

5 tips for a Studying Sustainable Summer:

1. Try to avoid the use of air-conditionings. Although it will be hot and you will be studying, use it only when it is completely necessary.
2. Save Energy. Day is much longer than night, so enjoy studying under the sun light. It stays up until 22.00!
3. Study at the park. You will combine sun-bathing with your work. In that way you will also avoid television.
4. Recycle your paper, newspaper and books. If you feel like throwing them away, use an environmental friendly way and give them for recycling.
5. Eat healthily; that is, try the seasonal fruits and vegetables without forgetting organic food. It is a bit more expensive, but it is lighter and, according to surveys, it is also healthier.

Tell your friends about your green holidays and give them the smart tips that you will use. Spread the rumor and make your studying sustainable. It is always worth trying! |