University of Tartu recommendations for sustainable living
At the University of Tartu, we believe in the power of knowledge, innovation and collaboration to create a more sustainable future. Already now, there are many opportunities to make informed consumer choices in everyday life and reduce our environmental footprint. Everyone should strive for a sustainable lifestyle, and the university community can set an example for others.
On this website, you will find information on how to make your lifestyle more sustainable, rethink your consumer behaviour and adopt new environmentally friendly habits. Additionally, the guide helps new students adapt more quickly to life in Tartu. Although the examples provided are mainly based on Tartu, most tips can be applied everywhere. This website contains general principles.
How can you consume in a way that minimises the impact on the environment and your wallet? The following recommendations help you make better everyday choices.
🛒Avoid buying unnecessary items. Carefully consider whether the purchase is truly necessary. Remember that you have a smaller environmental impact when you reduce consumption or extend the usable life of an existing product instead of buying a new one. If you still decide to buy, prefer used items over new ones whenever possible, as this is more environmentally friendly.
🌳 Choose high-quality and durable products. Prefer clothes and items that you can use in various situations and as frequently as possible, and that you do not have to worry about becoming unusable soon. Various labels, such as the energy efficiency label, provide information about the product’s environmental impact.
🏪 Choose responsible producers and retailers. Prefer companies that follow ethical practices, respect human rights and the environment, and address social issues. By consuming local products, you can better see their impact on nature and support life in your region. Unfortunately, some companies make false claims or half-truths about their products, presenting themselves as more environmentally friendly than they actually are. This practice is called greenwashing.
🔄 Reuse and repair. Instead of choosing single-use items (coffee cups, straws, face masks, paper plates), consider corresponding products with a longer lifespan. The lifespan is also longer if the item can be repaired when it breaks. You can have your smart devices repaired by service providers (Telia, Tele2, Elisa) or other companies that also repair other electronic devices. If you have usable items you no longer need, give them to a friend, donate them to someone in need, or take them to a second-hand shop.
🎨Find new uses for old items. For example, glass jars can be used for preserves or as decorations, and old packaging can serve as practical storage. Parts of old upholstered furniture can be turned into a pet bed, and old clothes can be used as cleaning rags. There are many creative ways to repurpose items!
🌾 Prefer products made from reused and recycled materials. Clothing, packaging and other products made partially or entirely from recycled materials are better than those made from non-renewable resources.
🎡 Recycle waste. Sort waste generated at home and at the university as much as possible. Follow waste operators’ instructions, as only correctly sorted waste can be properly recycled.
Energy
⚡Review your energy usage habits. Unplug devices like mixers or toasters when not in use, and stop charging your phone once the battery is full. Avoid running half-empty washing machines and dishwashers. Air-dry clothes instead of using a dryer to save electricity.
🔋 Prefer energy-efficient devices. Every day, we use electronic devices (laptops and desktop computers, smartphones, game consoles, TVs) that consume a lot of electricity. When buying a new device, check the energy labels and opt for an energy-efficient model. Turn off devices instead of leaving them on standby when not in use.
💡 Use smart lighting. Prefer energy-saving LED bulbs, which last longer than incandescent bulbs. Turn off the lights when leaving a room. Prefer natural light whenever possible.
🔆 Opt for renewable energy. If you can choose your electricity package, go for green energy options.
Water
🚿 Do not waste water. Monitor your water usage and try to reduce excess consumption. Shut off the tap while brushing your teeth. Take shorter showers to save water. Ensure your plumbing does not leak, as even minor leaks can cause significant water waste. If you see water left running in a public building, shut off the tap. Report any leaks to the building staff.
🚰 Prefer tap water. Across Estonia, tap water is of high quality and meets strict standards. In Tartu, tap water quality is excellent. Choosing tap water over bottled water saves both money and the environment.
🥬 Consume more plant-based foods. Add fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes and nuts to your menu. Plant-based foods have a smaller environmental impact because their production generally requires less land, water, and other resources than that of animal-based foods.
🚜 Prefer local and seasonal food. Look around for ideas for fresh and tasty dishes when going to the shop or market. Local and seasonal food usually has a smaller climate impact since it does not need to be shipped from afar or stored for long periods. Additionally, by choosing local food, you support local farmers and communities.
🚯 Reduce food waste. About 16% of the European Union’s greenhouse gas emissions is caused by food thrown away, as it also wastes the resources used for food production, transport and sales. Most food is thrown away at home, accounting for approximately half (48%) of food waste. Even small changes in consumer habits can significantly reduce food waste. Think about the quantities of food you consume and plan your purchases and meals accordingly.
🗺️Find out where the ingredients come from. In the production process, it is important to ensure both environmentally sustainable sourcing of raw materials and social ethics, such as avoiding child labour. Prefer goods from certified sustainable production. This helps increase environmental and social sustainability and ensures that resources are used responsibly.
🍎 Leave the plastic bag at the shop. You do not need it for just a few apples or a bunch of bananas. Placing fruits and vegetables in your basket without packaging is quicker and often also more convenient.
♻️ Reuse plastic bags. Sometimes it is not possible or practical to avoid buying plastic bags. If you use a regular plastic bag, keep it intact and handy for reusing. Avoid putting price stickers on the bag in the shop, and try to untie a knotted bag without tearing it.
🛍️ Prefer reusable bags. Go shopping with your own bag and keep small fruit or vegetable bags inside, so you do not have to buy a new plastic or paper bag each time. Many shops offer reusable bags made of thin fabric or mesh, which are durable and meant to replace plastic bags. You can also get similar bags with slightly varying properties online and from local artisans. You can even make them yourself from old Tshirts, pillowcases or curtain tulle.
🍱 Bring your own container. For unpackaged goods that cannot be put in a fabric or mesh bag, you can bring a reusable container. If you hand it to the shop staff at the cold or hot food counter, they usually do not mind putting your purchase in that. You do not need to worry about the weight of your container increasing the price, as the employee will deduct the container’s weight when weighing the food. In some places, you can get a discount when using your own container or cup for take-away, as the seller appreciates not having to provide single-use packaging.
🥡 Prefer reusable containers for take-away. Some cafés and restaurants are interested in reducing their environmental footprint and offer the option to buy take-away food in reusable containers.
🔢 Become familiar with types of waste. These typically include cardboard and paper, glass, packaging, bio-waste, and other municipal waste. Review local waste management guidelines to understand which waste needs to be sorted and which goes in the municipal waste container.
🗑️ Create a practical waste sorting system at home or in the student residence. Use separate bins or bags for different types of waste, and label them clearly to reduce confusion.
♻️ Find out about waste collection points. Familiarise yourself with local recycling options and find out where waste collection points with containers for different types of waste are located.
🌱 Collect bio-waste separately or compost it if possible. Collect bio-waste in biodegradable bags and take it to the designated container. If possible, consider composting, which is a great way to reuse food and garden waste and helps reduce the amount of rubbish. Compost can be used as garden fertiliser, reducing the need for chemical fertilisers and creating a natural cycle. The obligation to collect bio-waste separately came into effect across Estonia on 1 January 2024.
🌳 Collect deposit-marked beverage containers separately. Most beverage bottles and cans sold in Estonia have a deposit mark. Collect these separately from other waste and take them to a collection point to get back the deposit. This helps return containers to the recycling loop. When you finish your drink in a public place, put the bottle or can in the designated spot or take it with you.
Sustainable mobility and transport
Walking has the most environmental benefits, so it is worth taking inspiration from Kristjan Jaak Peterson.
- Walking is easier. During rush hours, when people are commuting between work and home, traffic jams can occur even in Tartu. At these times, getting around in the city centre on foot is faster than by car or bus. Additionally, walkers need not worry about finding a parking spot or paying for parking.
- Enjoy the surroundings. Walking allows you to get to know your surroundings better. You can also enjoy the urban space and different seasons.
- Health benefits. Walking is a low-impact aerobic exercise that helps improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Walking outdoors can reduce stress, anxiety and depression, promoting overall mental well-being and boosting immunity.
- Low risk of accidents. Pedestrians generally have fewer accidents than cyclists, light vehicle users, or motor vehicle users.
- Cost-effectiveness. Walking does not require fuel, vehicle maintenance, or tickets. It is therefore one of the most cost-effective modes of transport.
- Zero emissions. Walking does not produce greenhouse gases, reduces dependence on fossil fuels, reduces urban air pollution and traffic noise, and is also gentler on city infrastructure.
The city of Tartu prioritises the development of cycling infrastructure, and as a result, many new light-traffic and cycle paths have been built in recent years. Like walking, cycling benefits both the environment and your physical and mental health, and saves money.
- Prefer a regular bicycle, as using your muscle power is good for your health, avoids electricity consumption, and prevents electronic waste (old batteries). Both the city of Tartu and the University of Tartu have participated in developing bicycle parking facilities. Here, free parking is always readily available for cyclists.
- Tartu Smart Bike Share. Tartu has established a rental bike system that offers a sustainable option for short trips. Both regular and electric bikes are available. You can use the Tartu Smart Bike Share bikes at your convenience – there are 100 bike-sharing stations across the city and nearby areas. Using a bike-sharing bike means you do not have to spend money on buying, maintaining, and repairing your own bike or worry about storing it when not in use.
- Electric scooters and other motorised light vehicles (electric skateboards, self-balancing scooters and other seatless vehicles) are convenient, fast and easy to use. For shorter trips, they are a good alternative to cars.
Alongside light traffic, Tartu also encourages the use of public buses. The city’s main means of transport are buses running on sustainable biogas, and 15 bus lines ensure frequent connections between areas. Many larger university buildings have bus stops in front or nearby.
🪪 Bus card. In Tartu, you can buy a ticket from the driver or use a bus card, which you need to swipe at the validator when boarding. The ride is cheaper with the bus card compared to buying the ticket from the driver. As the rates are even more affordable for residents, it pays off to personalise the bus card.
🎫 Joint membership for public bus and bike share. In Tartu, the joint membership allows you to use city buses and the Tartu Smart Bike Share bikes.
🚍 Buses and trains are excellent choices for intercity and long-distance travel and are generally more environmentally friendly than driving a car. Additionally, travelling by train or bus allows you to use the time for studying, working or relaxing.
🗺️ For longer trips outside Estonia, you can also consider bus or train travel options instead of flying. When planning your trip, prefer sustainable means of transport, convenient connections and affordable tickets, and choose the most reasonable route to reach your destination. Google Maps or other map applications can help you with that.
Maintaining well-being
A sustainable lifestyle not only focuses on nature conservation but also on the individual within nature. In addition to studies and work, paying attention to our mental, social, and physical well-being is important to be satisfied and balanced and to do well in studies, work, and other endeavours. When we are rested and feel good, we make smarter and better-informed decisions. Below, you will find general principles and tips to help you maintain your health and well-being.
🫶 Practise self-care. Notice your needs and take time for yourself. Get enough sleep, try to eat balanced meals, and exercise regularly. Dedicate time for your favourite activities that help you relax and recover: read a book, listen to music, do yoga or meditate.
🤝 Create and maintain healthy relationships. Be open to new friendships and participate in university and community events. Find people with whom you can share your joys and challenges and from whom you can ask for help when needed. Relationships offer opportunities to learn from others and create a sense of belonging. A good opportunity for connecting with people is to participate in a student organisation, allowing you to acquire new skills and support the well-being of society and the community.
🧘 Notice what makes you stressed. Stress is an inseparable part of life, so it is necessary to know healthy ways to cope with it. Try stress-relief techniques such as breathing and relaxation exercises, and be physically active. Take time to relax and focus on hobbies that help you recover from stress. The University of Tartu offers free psychological counselling for students. Contact a counsellor if you need help coping with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, low self-esteem, and other emotional concerns.
📋 Find a balance between studies and free time. If you manage your time skillfully, you can both study and relax during the day. Create a schedule that considers your needs and set achievable goals. This makes it easier to balance duties and free time and be kind to yourself.
📌 The University of Tartu offers both study-related and career counselling for students. Study-related counselling aims to help you in your academic development and performance. Career counselling supports career goals and professional development.
