This will not be the first article you’ve seen with a title like this, but hopefully, unlike so many others, this one will actually teach you how to be actually sustainable on an actual budget, like actually. However, let’s begin by remembering that not everyone has the same access to sustainability, this article is to educate on a personal level not to be seen as a catch-all.

1. Eat local produce: this can seem like a tall order when it comes to sourcing local food, especially when you’re a student with limits on time and money. However, at Trent, you are able to eat locally grown produce at The Seasoned Spoon with your meal plan! The Spoon sources food from the Trent Vegetable Gardens and sells honey from the Trent Apiary. Another way you can access locally produced food is by heading downtown to the Farmers’ Market at Peterborough Square every Saturday. By eating locally sourced food you are reducing air miles, packaging, supporting local farmers, and eating fresher food!
2. Meal prep and plan: another foody tip is to make a meal plan, shop to it, and prepare your meals. This helps you save money and produce less food waste. We all know how quickly food seems to go off and ends up being wasted so this method helps you only buy what you can use.
3. Head to Bulk Barn: we all know how expensive basics have become so save yourself some money by buying grains, pasta, and other dried food at Bulk Barn. You are also boosting your sustainability points by reducing the amount of packaging used. Grab some large containers from the dollar store and stock up!
4. Utilise Your Bus Pass: although I have a thing or two to say about Peterborough’s public transport I do prefer to use the bus as it is far more environmentally friendly than driving. And as your bus pass comes as part of your tuition you might as well save the gas money!
5. Get Thrifty: Peterborough has a number of great thrift stores (see: this previous Arthur article) that can be a good option if you’re looking for some new clothes on a budget. Fast fashion is a major contributor to overusing resources such as water and creates a lot of waste. Or another, even cheaper way, is to shop your closet! Find some hidden gems and see if you can restyle them.

‍Send us your favourite sustainable and budget-friendly tips!