Which hall can reduce their waste the most?

Each hall of residence is competing to be the most sustainable. Last semester, the competition focused on energy, with Rutland Hall taking the crown. This semester, we’re focusing on waste, and the hall that reduces its waste the most will win a prize.

Help your hall win and WasteNott!

Each year, UoN halls of residence generate roughly 676.6 tons of waste—that’s 62 full bin lorries. We’re facing a climate and ecological emergency, both of which can be linked to resource use. Reducing how much stuff we buy, use, and throw away is key to limiting our environmental impact and living sustainably.

How the competition works

The competition, which runs from 3 February to 9 March, encompasses all catered halls on campus and Melton Hall. Here’s how it works.

1. We monitored how much waste each hall produced last semester.

2. We’ve worked out how much this equates to per person on average.

3. Now, we want to see how much you can reduce your waste compared to this baseline. The hall producing the lowest waste per resident will win a prize.

You're in a friendly competition to improve your behaviour and also beat other halls! We’ll share a leaderboard to show how all the halls are getting on as we go.

Top tips to help you win

Throughout the competition, we’ll provide help and advice on effectively reducing, reusing, and recycling. This week, we’re starting with the first step on any waste journey: reducing. Buying and owning less stuff is not only good for the planet, but it can also make you feel happier. Less plastic in the world would certainly make us all healthier.

The most environmentally friendly product is the one you didn’t buy.

1. Think before you buy. Pause to consider whether something is really needed, and you’ll be less likely to buy on impulse.

2. Avoid disposable items or those with excessive packaging. For example, buy loose fruit and vegetables or take your own containers to supermarket deli counters.

3. Buy the best you can afford. It’s tempting to always go for the cheap options, but you will pay out more in the long run when you have to replace frequently. 4. Use repair cafes, and Library of Things, or learn how to repair clothes, tech, or household items yourself. 5. Too Good to Go helps businesses sell their surplus food at a cheaper price, reducing food waste. There are 16 outlets across our campuses that sell discounted food through the app. Last academic year, 1,769 ‘Magic Bags’ were sold! 6. Reduce food waste in halls and take part in the Plate Waste Challenge. For more sustainable living tips, view our sustainable living guide.

Encourage your friends and hallmates to join the cause. Together, we can make a difference. By participating in the go! Greener Halls Competition, you not only contribute to a more sustainable future but also become a catalyst for positive change.

So, go! Your sustainable choices matter.

For more information go to our webpage, email us at sustainabiltiy@nottingham.ac.uk. and follow us on Instagram.