You search the web, Ecosia plants trees. It's that simple.
Ecosia is a search engine based in Berlin, Germany, that donates more than 80% of its profits to nonprofit organizations that focus on reforestation. It considers itself a social business and is CO2-negative.
To date, they've planted over 105,417,500 trees. Read their latest blogs to see how Ecosia and its' users are truly helping to make a global impact.
Want to get a feel for what going zero-waste is really like? Searching for tips to reduce your footprint? Here are our Instagram recommendations to get you inspired:Â
We want to put to bed the misconception that reducing our plastic use and switching to more reusable and sustainable options comes with a heavy price tag. Being a student means sticking to a budget, that’s why we want to show easy and inexpensive ways to go zero waste.
Our first tip is to capitalise on op shopping, swapping clothes with friends and shopping at pre-loved clothes markets. Not only will you find one-of-a-kind pieces, you will also be avoiding the fast fashion trap which is second only to oil as the world’s largest polluter.
Do you love treating yourself to a much-needed coffee or after-class snack whilst on campus? This is where it’s up to you to switch the takeaway coffee cup to a sit-in coffee instead, or bring your own reusable cup. Same goes for getting in the habit of bringing your own cutlery around with you to avoid plastic utensils. The most important step for creating change is adapting to new HABITS. Once you do, it will come so easily that you won’t even have to think twice about incorporating zero-waste practices.
Easy zero waste habits to start:
Carry a reusable coffee cup and reusable water bottle with you - can be filled up at the many water stations around campus so you can stay hydrated all day long. Don’t have a reusable bottle? Grab one from the Uni Store online or in-store.
Bring your own food and cutlery from home or ditch the plastic cutlery when eating food out.
Borrow books from the library instead of buying new copies (also a great way to save money).
Stop wrapping food leftovers in plastic – use food containers or invest in beeswax wraps.
Carry a foldable shopping bag with you everywhere and switch out plastic produce bags for mesh bags.
Use public transport where possible, or car pool, ride or walk to uni.
Remember; the way you choose to spend your money is your vote. Spend wisely on brands and products that are sustainable. Even small steps can make a huge difference in the long term and if we all work together, we can create a better planet.
