If there’s one thing that you should know about Newcastle Apartments, it’s that sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Our goal as a business is to bring our absolute A game to the playing field, without setting the grass on fire.

Living sustainably in Newcastle might sound like a challenge, but trust us, when you know what to do and how simple some of the changes can be, it gets much, MUCH easier. We’ve put together 4 tips that you can work into your usual routine and know that you’re doing your bit to live more eco-friendly.

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Image Source: @hipcatshop

Shop second-hand

Whether you’re a fan of a good old charity shop mooch, or like to look at other second-hand options, shopping second-hand is a great way to be more sustainable, and save yourself some money. Win-win, right?

Take yourself down to Sense on Grainger Street, Hip Cat on Westgate Road, or even to the British Heart Foundation on Percy Street. We bet you’ll walk out of there with a bunch of new outfits and having only spent a fraction of the price that you would have to buy it all new – so you benefit as well as the environment. We love to see it.

Image Source: @lagallery_studios

Utilise public transport

Depending on where you live, you’re likely within walking distance of a lot of the hot-spots of Newcastle – or, if you’re looking to move into the area but aren’t sure where the best place to be is, you’re in safe hands. Our City Co-Living Newcastle building is in the perfect location, right on the Quayside, making sure you’re close to everywhere you want to be.

Mind you, if you’re not living within a stone’s throw of all the highlights, there’s still options for you to get about hassle-free. The Metro service can take you near enough anywhere you want to go while reducing your carbon footprint. If you’re studying in Newcastle, you can also apply for a ‘Pop Blue’ card, allowing you to travel at a discount. Save the environment and your bank account at the same time. Nice.

Image Source: @letsbottleup

Reduce plastic pollution

This is the one that can spook some people, but we promise, it really isn’t as scary as you think it is. We aren’t saying never buy anything that’s been near a piece of plastic, but more so looking at ways to reduce single-use plastic.

One of the easiest ways to do this is to ditch buying single bottles of water, and get yourself a cute reusable bottle instead. This is also a good option if you find that you’re struggling to drink enough water in a day – having a bottle with you at all times will encourage you to hydrate more regularly too. See, we care about the environment AND your wellbeing. Now, come on, drink up!

Image Source: @toogoodtogo.uk

Reduce food waste

While you may not think about food waste impacting the environment, it’s actually a huge waste issue that can be rectified really easily. The best advice to follow is to not overbuy and end up wasting, but this can happen accidentally, we get it.

If you’re a student at Newcastle University, they have set up a ‘Student Pantry’ which is a great way to combat waste – it’s open to students to leave and take items, helping students both financially and environmentally, and we absolutely love it. You can also look at supporting sustainable apps like Too Good To Go, which will have local food vendors offering out discounted food to avoid it going to waste. You can grab yourself some right bargains this way and know that you’re helping prevent unneeded waste as well.

These are just a few ways that you can live more sustainably – are there other changes that you’ve implemented that we’ve missed? We’d love to know what you do – reach out to us on our socials and share your top tips.