SiO is the student welfare organization for 27 educational institutions in and around Oslo. Together, we represent about 76,000 students. You might think one person can’t make much of a difference, but together we’re a crowd.

The most important things you can do for the environment as a student are to think about transport, energy use, and recycling.

Transport

Can you choose to cycle? Only about 13 percent of Oslo’s students use a bike. Can we raise that number just a bit?

Energy

We’re not saying you should freeze or skip showers – of course you should stay warm and clean! But can you turn the heat down a degree or two? Maybe you don’t need a 15-minute shower every day? We use a lot of energy together. Help us do better.

Recycling

Do you need to walk ten extra steps to recycle something? Too lazy to tear up the pizza box and throw it in the paper bin? Give it another thought. Maybe challenge a friend to a recycling competition – who can create the least waste?

Want to learn more about SiO’s sustainability work?

More practical tips

There are so many small ways to live greener as a student. Pick the ones that fit your life best:

• Use a reusable coffee cup. Many cafés offer a discount when you bring your own.
• Shop second-hand or organize a clothing swap with friends. Check SiO’s event calendar to see when our seasonal swap markets take place.
• Freeze leftovers instead of tossing them. Future lunch or dinner = sorted.
• Use sites like Finn.no or Tise to buy and sell second-hand. Need something? Check there first! Facebook groups for buying and selling locally are great too — and you might even find your textbooks.
• Try going vegetarian or vegan one day a week!
• Check the producers and ingredients of the products you use – like shampoo, hygiene products, and cosmetics. What goes down the drain ends up in nature. Choose companies that are both green and ethical.
• Repair your clothes instead of replacing them. Get creative before you swipe your card!

And we’ll say it one more time – because this is the most important part:

• Be mindful of your energy use, even if electricity is included in your rent. Wasting energy is never sustainable. Turn off the lights when you leave the room, and try to take shorter showers. Put on an extra sweater if it gets cold.
• Sort your waste properly, even at school or in the city.
• Walk or bike around the city when you can.