Every year, LSE runs a Green Fortnight in March time

For this year, Halls staff created a display to highlight five commonly used disposable items and how from the moment we put them in the bin, their lifespan and environmental impact is far from over.  Included in the display were disposable coffee cups, vapes, plastic bottles of water, food waste, and paper. 

We must all make a conscious effort to apply “Reduce, reuse, recycle” to our lives and cut back on the amount of single-use items we use in our day-to-day lives.

What's the deal with decomposition?

Decomposing waste is one of the biggest emitters of dangerous greenhouse gases which fuel climate breakdown. At least 22% of our waste ends up in landfill in the UK. Materials like plastic take a long time to break down and erode, meaning our rubbish could exist far longer than we do. 

It's important for us to be aware of the waste associated with our daily actions, and the impact it has on our environment. We need to be trying our best to reduce our consumption in the first place, opt for reusables where we can (e.g. hot drinks cups), and always try to recycle.

Disposable vapes: 1000 years to decompose

The explosion of disposable vapes is an emerging waste catastrophe. Not only are they single-use plastic, but did you know that disposable vapes have a lithium battery in them? This means they shouldn't be thrown away in general waste, because the batteries can leach harmful chemicals into the soil. These vapes should be returned to off-licenses which sell vapes, as they have collections arranged with the manufacturer. 

If you do feel you need to vape (be careful, the disposable ones especially have a very high nicotine content), perhaps explore getting a reusable vape which is better for the environment!

Disposable coffee cups: Up to 30 years to decompose

Did you know that these cups cannot be recycled in standard recycling due to the plastic that lines inside the cup? We propose some options to be more sustainable:

• Consider buying a reusable cup. Not only is it better for the environment, but it can also save you money. For example, you can save on coffee purchased at LSE cafes if you use a reusable cup. LSE-branded KeepCups are for sale in all LSE Catering outlets for £9.50 in a range of colours, and you get your first hot drink for free!
• Take the disposable cup to your nearest ‘Orange Coffee Cup bin’. The Garrick, Plaza Café and Library Escape on campus all have them. If one of these is not available, you should dispose of your cup in a general waste bin.

Plastic water bottles: 450 years to decompose

Although we advise you not to drink water from the taps in your bathrooms, buying plastic water bottles in bulk to stay hydrated is a very unstainable option.

The water from the taps in the kitchens is perfectly drinkable. Consider buying a reusable water bottle and filling it up from the tap so you have drinking water in your room. There is also a water bottle refill station next to the letter boxes in the lobby and water fountains all over campus.

We also have a range of reusable water bottles available in the LSE shop and catering outlets. 

Fruit peelings: 2 years to decompose

The best way to dispose of food waste such as fruit peelings or vegetable trimmings is in a food waste bin. This allows the food to break down into rich nutrient feed for other plants.

If you don't have access to a food waste bin, here are some tips to reuse your trimmings:

• Fruit peelings can be used for flavouring water (orange, lemons, bananas, cucumber... your choice!).
• Onion peels, carrot peels and ends, celery leaves, leek hearts, and mushroom trimmings can all be used in stocks.
• Herb stems can be used to flavour stocks, soups and sauces.

Textiles: 200 years to decompose

The textile recycling rate is currently one of the lowest compared to other materials. Here are some options for what you can do with your unwanted clothes and shoes:

• Participate in a clothing swap event.
• Donate. Charities always appreciate donated clothes, Traid, British Heart Foundation and Oxfam are some examples.
• Recycle. Some shops are already offering recycling services, such as H&M. At Rosebery Hall we have several textile recycling bins within walking distance, one opposite our main entrance and another in front of the Sadler's Wells theatre. 
• Only buy clothes you really need, and cherish them! Fashion has a massive carbon footprint - avoid companies such as Shein, Boohoo etc. where possible.

The first step is awareness - we hope the display helped educate many of you, and that we can therefore collectively reassess some of our habits so we are not having a detrimental impact on our planet for many years to come. We need to drastically reduce our waste, as there just isn't enough room for it all. We are at full capacity! What change can you make?

“Reduce, reuse, recycle”. Thank you from both the Front of House and Catering Service Teams and make sure to spread the message!

Do you have an idea for an activity during 2024's Green Week? Email sustainability.team@lse.ac.uk, they would love to hear from you.

Check out how you can have a zero-waste kitchen and our leftover recipe ideastoo!