Category Archives: Lifestyle

Autumn and Winter Cycling Tips! 

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Cycling is a great way to get active, travel sustainably, and save money on transport costs. While commuting by bike is more popular in the summer months, riding through autumn and winter can be just as enjoyable (with the right preparation)!  

Here are our top tips to help you stay warm, visible, and confident on your winter commute! 

  1. Prepare your bike 

A well-maintained bike is essential during the colder, wetter months.  

  • Attend a Dr Bike session to ensure it is road safe​. Find out about our upcoming Dr Bike dates here. 
  • Invest in winter tyres that are wider and puncture resistant ​if you can 
  • Add mud guards to your bike if possible​, they help to protect you and your bike from dirty water and dirt build up on your bike. 
  • Keep your bike clean to maintain a good condition level 
  1. Staying visible  

Winter commuting often means riding in the dark. Make sure you are visible on the roads. 

  • Add plenty of lights to your bike, and make sure they meet the legal requirements. Check out Cycling UK’s guide to cycle light regulations that provides detailed  guidance. 
  • Wear reflective and bright clothing to increase your visibility to other road users.  

Did you know colleagues can buy reflective clothing and bike lights under the University Cycle to Work scheme? 

  • Consider your road positioning and whether it needs to change in low lighting. To learn more, read the Cycle Scheme ‘Road Positioning for cyclists’ page. 
  1. Keep warm and dry! 
  • Invest in some warm and waterproof layers and a bag to keep you and your belongings dry on your commute​.  
  • Cycling UK recommend thermal gloves and socks, cycling glasses and a buff to keep your head warm under your helmet.  

Did you know colleagues can purchase cycling and safety equipment and via the Cyclescheme?​ 

  1. Plan Ahead 
  • Check the weather forecast before heading out on a long ride 
  • Plan your route in advance and test it out in daylight to build confidence 
  • Consider sharing your location with a close friend or family member when you leave and let them know when you have arrived at home or campus 
  • Stay alert to risks and be aware of the noises around you. 
  1. Secure Your Bike 
  • Only secure your bike to purpose-designed Sheffield stands, racks or bike parking systems 
  • Ideally use at least one ‘Sold Secure’ certified bicycle lock of at least bronze standard​ 
  • Double lock your bike where possible using two locks (one at the front and one at the back) 

Thank you for reading, happy cycling and stay safe this winter!

Email us at sustainable-campus@newcastle.ac.uk to join the universities Bicycle Users Group on Microsoft Teams! 

Sustainability Team Beach Clean 2025!

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This week the Sustainability Team headed to Tynemouth Longsands Beach and Cullercoats for a beach litter pick in support of the Great British Beach Clean 2025.

Every September, thousands of people across the UK head to the coast to take part in this nationwide event, organised by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS). Last year volunteers across the UK removed over 764,000 litter items from our beaches, weighing more than 16,800kg. This year’s Great British Beach Clean is running from Friday 19th to Sunday 28th September, and we were proud to play our part in helping protect our local coastline.

Armed with litter pickers, gloves, and clipboards, we spent the afternoon collecting waste along the shoreline, aiming to improve the environment for people and wildlife.

We used the MCS litter survey forms to record the types and amounts of waste we found. These forms are an essential part of the Beach Clean, allowing the MCS to track pollution trends and build evidence to campaign for cleaner seas and stronger environmental policies.

Some of the most commonly found items included:

  • Small pieces of plastic
  • Bottle tops and lids
  • Cigarette butts
  • Fishing line and small netting fragments

The data we collected will now feed directly into the MCS’s national database, helping researchers and policymakers better understand the scale and sources of beach litter.

A huge thank you to everyone who took part! And we are happy to report there wasn’t an awful lot of litter at the beach, thanks to the local community who regularly litter pick.

Want to get involved?
The Great British Beach Clean is running until Sunday 28th September, and there are events happening all over the UK. Visit the Marine Conservation Society website to find out how you can take part and help protect our beaches.

Let’s keep our coastline clean!

World Car Free Day

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Monday 22nd September is World Car Free Day and Newcastle University is taking a city-wide approach with local institutions including Newcastle City Council, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Nexus.

We are asking those who can, to take the Newcastle Car Free Day pledge and commute to campus using a car free mode of transport such as cycling, walking or wheeling, metro or bus. 

We know trying a new mode of transport to commute can be daunting, so we have asked colleagues what advice they would give to people trying their preferred modes for the first time. You can read the testimonials below – make notes of the helpful tips they provide!

Public Transport

Charlotte Robson commutes via the metro

  1. Why is this your preferred mode of transport? I commute via the metro as it is a quick and sustainable mode of transport. I like to use the commuting time to find some calm (at the start and/ or the end of your day), I often do this by reading a book or listening to a podcast.
  2. Do you have any advice for someone considering using this mode of transport to commute? The Nexus Pop app is a great way to keep track of what’s happening on the metro network, you can check train times so you can minimise your wait on the platform. Always pack an umbrella in case it is raining when you get off the train (the weather in Newcastle can be a tad unpredictable). If you become a regular user of public transport during the week and on the weekends, look at the University public transport page as an annual travel ticket for one of the local providers may work out cheaper for you.

Cycling

Amy Johnson commutes via cycling on a hybrid bike

  1. Why is this your preferred mode of transport? Cycling is much cheaper than the bus (£5 per day) and quicker! I have a car but driving into the city centre during rush hour and having to pay for parking doesn’t appeal to me. It’s also nice to get some fresh air on the way to and from work. 
  2. Do you have any advice for someone considering using this mode of transport to commute? Investigate your options first, see if your workplace has a cycle to work scheme. Can you secure your bike securely at home and at work? Does your work have lockers? It can be a bit of money to begin with – for example getting a bike, helmet, lock, high vis jacket etc but once you’ve got it all its much cheaper than other modes of transport. Cycling can be intimidating to start with for example getting used to traffic etc, but once you get the hang of it and become more confident its much easier. The more of us that can cycle to work, the better – it increases safety in numbers, will make drivers more aware of cyclists and lead to shifts in behaviour (think about cycling somewhere like Amsterdam!)

Jane Robinson uses a bike to commute to campus

  1. Why is this your preferred mode of transport? I cycle along the river from Wylam – it’s a beautiful, safe (and flat!) route – it gives me time to think and prepare for the day and unwind on the way home and I fit in my exercise as part of the day. 
  2. Do you have any advice for someone considering using this mode of transport to commute? Make the most of Cycle to Work scheme. Wear bright colours and always use your lights. Most importantly, enjoy the ride!

Carys Watts commutes via cycling

  1. What form of sustainable transport do you use to commute? I cycle to work from Gateshead to Newcastle, half of my route is off-road, the rest is shared use or cycle lanes. Previously to help with timings for the school-run, I drove partway with my bike in the car, then cycled the rest.
  2. Why is this your preferred mode of transport? My commute time is reliable and I feel alert, relaxed and healthy, plus there is no daily cost.
  3. Do you have any advice for someone considering using this mode of transport to commute? Starting out cycling I would invest in a helmet, a bright (neon) waterproof jacket and decent bike lights for visibility. Get a strong bike lock and ask friends/co-workers their advice on their recommended routes, bike parking and servicing.

Walking

Hannah Owens walks to work

  1. Why is this your preferred mode of transport? I enjoy being out in the fresh air and getting some exercise through my commute. It’s roughly a 35-minute walk so it’s a good amount of time to prepare for the day ahead on the way in and unwind on the way home. It’s also great for enjoying nature and green spaces- I love that in the summer months I get to experience fields of cows on my city centre commute!
  2. Do you have any advice for someone considering using this mode of transport to commute? Layered clothing and comfortable/sturdy footwear, and it’s a great way to enjoy podcasts.

If you would like some additional information, you can find more advice and helpful information on the Sustainable Campus Travel pages.

Cycle to Work Day 2025: Everything You Need to Get Involved

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This Thursday, 7th August, is Cycle to Work Day, a national campaign founded by Cycling UK to encourage as many people as possible to commute by bike. Whether you are a regular rider or are considering cycling to work for the first time, it is a perfect opportunity to start! This blog outlines the benefits of cycling, Newcastle University’s support for cyclists, and relevant resources and events. 

Benefits of Cycling

Cycling to work offers a wide range of benefits that impact health, finances, and the environment:  

  • Improved physical and mental health 
  • Cost savings on commuting 
  • Reduced carbon footprint 
  • Avoidance of traffic congestion with more predictable travel times 
  • Increased productivity and energy during the workday 
  • An enjoyable and active commute 

For a more detailed overview of these advantages, see Cycling UK’s article: Six reasons you should cycle to work. 

Newcastle University Facilities for Cyclists 

The University supports active travel by providing secure bike storage, showers, and changing facilities to encourage cycling among staff and students. Information on these facilities are available on our cycling page. 

Additional resources such as tips on bike storage, cleaning, and repairs are available in our Bike Maintenance Blog. 

Staff and students can join the Bicycle Users Group (BUG) on Teams for updates and advice by emailing sustainable-campus@newcastle.ac.uk with the subject line “Join BUG.” We currently have over 460 members on the Teams channel!

The University also participates in the government-backed Cycle to Work Scheme, which enables staff to purchase bikes and safety equipment through salary sacrifice, resulting in significant cost savings. Check out an in-depth description and some handy resources about the scheme on the People Services website. 

External Resources and Events 

Beyond the University, there are excellent local opportunities to support and encourage cycling. Free confidence sessions are available through The Big Bike Revival, designed to help cyclists of all skill levels build road confidence and improve their skills. These sessions are open to anyone aged 18 and over. See below for dates, or see the website: The Big Bike Revival. 

For those looking to plan their cycling routes, Cycling UK offers a handy Journey Planner tool, which helps identify the safest and most efficient paths for commuting by bike: Cycling UK Journey Planner. 

Dr Bike: Free Bike Maintenance Sessions 

Dr Bike is a free bike maintenance service offered in collaboration with WATBike. These sessions provide minor repairs and comprehensive bike health checks (MOTs) to ensure bicycles are safe and ready for the road. 

Since September 2024, a total of 25 Dr Bike sessions have been held across six different campus locations, with 424 bikes serviced so far. Additionally, two Bike Weeks have been organised alongside WATBike to promote cycling and bike maintenance awareness across the University community. 

To coincide with Cycle to Work Day, a special Dr Bike session will take place at the Medical School. This session is open to all staff and students, but we recommend arriving early to secure a slot!

DateLocationTimeWhat3Words
Thursday 7th AugustMedical School Reception Entrance10:00 am – 15:00 pmcount.rally.olive

Tips for New Cyclists 

If you’re considering starting your cycling journey, here are some essential tips to ensure safety and security: 

  1. Always wear a helmet  
  1. Obey traffic lights and road signals  
  1. Don’t ride on the pavement unless a sign says you can  
  1. Use lights and reflectors so you are clearly visible  
  1. Don’t use headphones or a mobile while cycling  
  1. Remove lights and accessories from your bicycle when it is parked 
  1. Always securely lock your bicycle with at least one ‘Sold Secure’ certified cycle lock and only use purpose-designed Sheffield stands or racks  
  1. Don’t leave your bicycle on campus overnight 
  1. If possible, arrange adequate insurance to cover any theft or damage to your bicycle 
  1. Join BUG to see if colleagues have any other helpful information for you or can supply information about recommended cycle routes 

We hope this blog has given you some useful insights and inspired you to consider cycling as part of your daily routine. Happy Cycle to Work Day! 

Plastic Free July 2025!

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Plastic pollution poses a worldwide challenge, with 400 million tons of plastic produced each year, and this number is predicted to triple by 2060 (UNEP, 2025). It is estimated that UK households throw away a staggering 1.7 billion pieces of plastic packaging a week (Big Plastic Count, 2024).

Plastic is a highly durable material; therefore, it rarely completely disappears once out in the environment, it will instead take many years to break down into smaller pieces or microplastic. Plastic pollution is causing harm to marine life, the climate and humans across the world.

Plastic Free July is a challenge created by the Plastic Free Foundation that aims to help people begin or continue their journey to reduce their use of single use plastic. The beginning of the journey to reduce single use plastic as an individual or family can be daunting, so here are some tips on where you can begin:

Tips on how to reduce single use plastic in your everyday life:  

  • Travel cup: By carrying a travel cup with you every day, you can remove the need for single use coffee cups when you buy coffee out and about. Some coffee cups are now designed to be collapsible, so they take up less room in your bag. 
  • Water bottle: Instead of buying water in a single use plastic bottle, you can carry a reusable water bottle with you and fill it up from a tap when you are on the go, at school or at work. 
  • A great way to reduce plastic packaging is by buying dry food products such as rice, pasta, and spices from refill shops, check out some local refill shops in our blog.
  • Invest in a re-useable cutlery set to carry for your meals on the go, some even come with a reusable straw, you could even just bring your home cutlery in your bag if you don’t want to buy a travel set! 
  • Reuse what you already own as much as you can, for example do you have plastic takeaway containers that can be used as a lunch box instead of buying a new plastic lunchbox? 
  • Do some research into what food products that you consume may contain traces of plastic, such as tea bags and chewing gum and look for alternatives such as loose tea.  

Resources to help you with your journey to plastic free: 

Clean Air Day 2025

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Thursday 19th June 2025 marks Clean Air Day, the UK’s largest campaign dedicated to tackling air pollution. Coordinated by Global Action Plan, this day brings communities, schools, workplaces and decision-makers together to raise national awareness and advocate for clean, healthy air. 

Why Air Pollution Matters 

Air pollution is now recognised by both the UK Government and the World Health Organisation (WHO) as the “biggest environmental threat to public health in the UK.”  Air pollution is linked to heart and lung diseases, low birth weight, stunted lung development in children, and even potential mental health impacts. 

It’s estimated that air pollution contributes to up to 43,000 premature deaths every year in the UK alone. That’s why campaigns like Clean Air Day are so important – they shine a spotlight on the issue and push for solutions. 

Image: Clean Air Day posters promoting actions like working from home and active travel alternatives. (Source: Global Action Plan, 2025).

The Pollution Problem 

Transport is the single largest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK, with cars and vans being the primary sources. As we continue to rely heavily on petrol and diesel vehicles, we release harmful pollutants such as: 

  • Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) – a gas produced from fuel combustion in engines 
  • Particulate Matter (PM) – tiny airborne particles, often released from tyres and brakes, that can penetrate deep into our lungs 

In densely populated urban areas, diesel vehicles alone can be responsible for up to 70% of air pollution (Living Streets, 2025). Reducing this dependence on polluting transport is critical for the health of our cities and our people. 

Air Quality in the North East 

In Newcastle, air pollution is monitored closely under the Environment Act 1995, with nine major pollutants assessed annually. The biggest concern locally remains Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂), from road traffic. To monitor air quality and ensure compliance with national air quality standards, the city has established several automatic monitoring stations in four areas: Jesmond Road, St. Mary’s Place, Percy Street and Pilgrim Street.  

Image: Air quality monitoring sites in Newcastle showing where NO₂, PM₁₀, and PM₂.₅ are measured. 

These monitoring stations provide valuable data to help Newcastle City Council take action where pollution levels risk exceeding safe limits, protecting residents and the environment alike. 

What You Can Do 

Everyone has a part to play in cleaning up the air we breathe. Here are a few impactful steps you can take: 

  • Write to your MP: Let them know you support investment in clean air and green transport. 
  • Use public transport: Buses and trains produce fewer emissions per person than cars. 
  • Walk or cycle when you can: It’s better for your health and the planet. 
  • Avoid idling your engine: Even a few minutes of idling contributes to unnecessary pollution. 
  • Talk about it: Share the campaign with friends, family and colleagues. 

Final Thoughts 

Clean Air Day is a great opportunity to celebrate the positive steps we can take toward cleaner, healthier air. Whether it’s changing how we travel or supporting local action, every effort helps build a healthier future for everyone. 

\To find out more about the actions Newcastle University is taking to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency, check out our dedicated Carbon and Energy pages.

If you have any questions or want to get involved, please don’t hesitate to contact the Sustainable Campus team at sustainable-campus@newcastle.ac.uk

Celebrating Bike Week 2025!

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From Monday 12th May to Wednesday 14th May, Bike Week took place in the Boiler House. The event was hosted by the Sustainability Team in collaboration with WATBike and Cycling UK. Each day, colleagues and students could be seen queuing up outside the venue, bikes in hand, ready for servicing. Read on to find out more about Bike Week, its outreach, and what our campus cyclists said…

Image: The Bike Week set-up on day one, taken a few minutes before the crowds arrived.

Event Lineup

Across the duration of the event, WATBike offered three services each day:

  • Dr Bike – Free bike check-ups
  • Second-hand Bike Sale – Affordable pre-loved bikes
  • Maintenance Advice – Handy tips from cycling experts

Thanks to generous funding from Cycling UK, all services were completely free of charge!

A Successful Outcome

We’re delighted to report that Bike Week was a huge success. A total of 58 bikes were serviced by Dr Bike, 17 pre-loved bikes found new homes, and many students and colleagues left with practical tips for keeping their bikes in top shape.

Here is what one Bike Week attendee had to say:

“This was really useful, thank you to all for hosting and organising the event. The advice and help I received on Wednesday was brilliant.”

Bike Week was also a hit on social media earning a spot on the @NewcastleUni Instagram story and amassing 12,000 views!

Image: A collection of bikes waiting to be repaired by the helpful WATBike team.

University Cycling Services

Did you know that Dr Bike takes place every fortnight? Our next session is taking place at Devonshire Walk on Tuesday 27th May. If you want to add upcoming Dr Bikes to your diary, please refer to the Dr Bike 2025 events page.

Alternatively, if you want weekly reminders of upcoming events, you can join our Bicycle Users Group on Teams. To join, just email us at sustainable-campus@newcastle.ac.uk with the subject title “Join BUG.”

If you’re searching for more tips on storage, cleaning and repairing your bike, read our Bike Maintenance Blog

Thank you to everyone who got involved and helped make Bike Week such a success. More cycling events are coming soon – watch this space for updates!

Leave Newcastle Happy: Your Guide to Moving Out Sustainably

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As the academic year draws to a close, the time has come to face the moving-out process. From quirky costumes to forgotten kitchen gadgets, it can feel like you’ve accumulated twice as much as you brought. But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with simple, sustainable solutions for clearing out your space. 

Thanks to our Move-Out Map, it’s easier than ever to find donation and recycling points near you for clothing, houseware, books, and more. 

  1. Clothing 

If your clothes are in good condition, consider donating them to a local charity shop. Some popular areas for charity shopping include: 

  • Clayton Street, Central Newcastle 
  • Gosforth High Street 
  • Shield’s Road, Byker 
  • Chillingham Road, Heaton 
  • Whitley Bay High Street 

For clothing that is no longer wearable, use one of the many clothing donation banks located throughout Newcastle. There is a donation bank outside the Students’ Union building. Location What3Words: ///grit.herbs.saving 

  1. Houseware (ResLife ReHome) 

Newcastle University’s ResLife ReHome initiative allows students to donate clean, good-quality items for reuse. These items are collected, sorted, and re-distributed to new students at the start of the next academic year to help reduce waste and promote a culture of sharing. 

Key dates:

  • Donation collection: 28 April – 15 June 2025 
  • Sorting and movement: 28 April – 18 June 2025 
  • Distribution to new students: 8 – 14 September 2025 
  • Passport to Independent Living event (if stock remains): 16 September 2025 

Items accepted include: 

  • Kitchenware (pots, pans, trays, cutlery, crockery) 
  • Stationery and unused kitchen supplies 
  • Clothes airers, washing baskets, coat hangers 
  • Decorative items (in line with accommodation policy) 
  • UK-appropriate coats, wellies 
  • Cleaning products, unused toiletries 
  • Non-perishable food 
  • Educational or cookbooks 
  • Small electricals in good condition 

Visit the to Move-Out Map to find your nearest ResLife ReHome donation point. 

  1. Books 

Better World Books has a donation box located in the entrance foyer of the Marjorie Robinson Library Rooms. Books donated here support literacy and education initiatives around the world. Accepted items include: 

  • Fiction and nonfiction 
  • Rare books and children’s books 
  • Textbooks 
  • Foreign language books with an ISBN 

Items not accepted:

  • Encyclopaedias (e.g. Britannica) 
  • Procedural law books, indexes, or directories 
  • Journals and periodicals 
  • Books in non-Latin scripts 
  • Unsellable or damaged books 
  • More than 20 copies of the same title 

For bulk donations, please email: sustainable-campus@newcastle.ac.uk 

Community Bookshelf – Students’ Union 
Located on Level 2 in the Student Cluster of the Students’ Union, this is a free, informal book swap open to all students. 
More information: nusu.co.uk/news/article/community-bookshelf 

  1. Non-recyclables (Leave Newcastle Happy) 

Unfortunately, not all items can be safely recycled or donated. Because of this, Newcastle University has partnered with Northumbria University and Newcastle City Council to launch the annual “Leave Newcastle Happy” campaign. We are putting out Biffa skips in the back lanes of Heaton and Jesmond for students to dispose of their non-recyclable items. Here is the list of locations and dates: 

Please avoid putting the following items in the skip:

  • Waste Electronic Electrical Equipment  
  • Fridges/Freezers   
  • Mattresses Tyres   
  • Paint Cans/Tins   
  • TV’s/Monitors   
  • Asbestos   
  • Clinical/Medical Waste   
  • Oils 
  • Liquids   
  • Solvents   
  • Batteries   
  • Plasterboard   
  • Hazardous/Toxic Materials   
  • Gas Cylinders 

Moving out doesn’t have to mean throwing everything away. By donating, rehoming, and recycling where possible, you’re helping reduce landfill waste, support others, and contribute to a more sustainable Newcastle. 

If you have any questions, please email us on sustainable-campus@newcastle.ac.uk 

Bike Maintenance: Handy tips to keep your wheels on the road 

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We’ve all been there – the sun’s shining, you’ve got your cycling clothes on, water bottle filled, ready to hit the road…only to discover an issue with your bike. Whether it’s a flat tyre, faulty brakes, or grinding gears, we’ve teamed up with our friends at WATBike to share some simple maintenance tips that’ll keep your bike in a roadworthy condition. 

1. Bike storage 

Where you store your bike matters. Storing your bike in a safe place is not only important for security reasons, but it can also help keep your bike in good condition. Leaving a bike outside for extended periods (such as in a garden/backyard over winter) will expose your bike to the elements which, over time, will cause the parts to corrode and eventually lead to failure of the gears, brakes etc. 

Tips for smart storage:

2. Tyres

Your tyres are a critical component of your bike’s performance and safety. Maintaining the correct tyre pressure and regularly checking their condition is vital!

Tyre care tips:

  • Check tyre pressure regularly, ensuring the PSI is at the required level (these can be found on the tyre wall).  Ensuring the correct pressure helps to prevent punctures. 
  • Keep a small hand pump with you to ensure you can always pump your tyres. Or you can use the University cycle repair stand near Hatton Gallery (location shown in our map). This stand is equipped with allen keys, screwdrivers, spanners, adjustable fit bike pump and a tyre iron.
  • Inspect your tyres for cracks or holes – replace tyres if they’re showing serious wear.

3. Bike Cleaning

Regular bike cleaning will prevent rust and corrosion, helping your bike parts last longer and be more effective.

Cleaning checklist:

  • Use a hose (light pressure!) to rinse off loose dirt.
  • Scrub with bike-friendly brushes, especially around the chain and cassette (gears). It is also important to keep the braking surface of your wheels clean and dry.   
  • Check out this 5-minute bike wash tutorial on YouTube, or if a deeper clean is needed, this 30-minute bike wash tutorial.

4. Chain Care

One of the easiest and most effective maintenance tasks: lubricating your chain. It ensures a smoother ride with less clunking when changing gears and extends your bike chains lifespan. There are two main types of chain lubricant; wet and dry, and it depends on the type of riding you do and the time of year as to which lubricant you should use.  

Choosing the right chain lube:

Dry lube: Best for people who mainly ride on roads. It’s thinner and won’t pick up as much dust in the summer.

Wet lube: Designed for wet, muddy conditions. It is thicker than dry lube, which helps it repel water and keep your chain lubricated. 

If you’re not sure which to use, ask at a local bike shop, or at our regular Dr Bike sessions.

5. Loose parts 

If something on your bike feels loose (especially pedals) – don’t ride it! Bring it to a Dr Bike session or bike repair shop straight away. A quick tweak when a problem first arises can save big mechanical issues in the future if you leave it unresolved.

Maintenance at Dr Bike

If you require more help with bike maintenance, our regular Dr Bike sessions on campus are a great place to start. Whether it’s a quick fix or a maintenance question, expert advice is always on hand.  WATBike are here every two weeks throughout the year and are happy to help.

We’re also excited to announce Bike Week, taking place at The Boiler House from Monday 12th to Wednesday 14th May, in partnership with WATBike and supported by Cycling UK.

During Bike Week, Bike technicians will be available on campus from 10:00-14:00 each day to provide more detailed support on how to maintain your bike, with guidance and advice from the team at WATBike. There will also be a sale of lovingly refurbished bikes across a range of styles and sizes across the event. Buying second hand is not only great for your wallet, but also for the planet!

Useful Links:

Think Globally, Act Locally: How Newcastle is Joining the Fashion Revolution

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Fashion Revolution is an organisation that formed in 2013, following the Rana Plaza factory disaster. Since then, it has grown to become the world’s largest fashion activism movement, reaching over 80 countries worldwide. The movement challenges the fashion industry’s exploitative systems and pushes for a future that prioritises people and the planet. Through campaigns, education and community action, the movement helps people understand the issues in fashion and take steps to drive change. 

Fashion Revolution Week is taking place from Tuesday 22nd April till Sunday 27th April 2025. This year, the theme is “Think globally and act locally,” encouraging us to reflect on how we can all play a part in transforming fashion, wherever we are. In this blog, we’ll explore what that looks like here in Newcastle – from local initiatives to simple everyday actions you can take to be part of the Fashion Revolution. 

  1. Buy second-hand 

Buying pre-loved items has become a growing trend amongst conscious consumers not just to save money, but as a way to resist fast fashion. By 2027, the global second-hand apparel market is expected to grow 3 times than the global apparel market overall (ThredUP, 2023). Second-hand shopping reduces waste, extends the life of clothing, and lowers your carbon footprint.  

Here in Newcastle, the second-hand scene is thriving, with vintage shops, charity stores, and markets offering everything from upcycled hoodies to retro handbags. Some charity shop hotspots include: 

  • Clayton Street, Central Newcastle 
  • Gosforth High Street, Gosforth 
  • Shield’s Road, Byker 
  • Chillingham Road, Heaton 
  • Whitley Bay High Street (if you fancy a trip on the Metro) 

It is also worth checking out the following:  

  • Durham Vintage host a stall in the Quayside Market every Sunday, and host frequent warehouse sales 
  • Ginger’s Flea Market is an annual flea market held in the Boiler Shop. The event is taking place on Sunday 4th May. 
  • Vintage Vera is ran in the Newcastle Student Union Basement and contains endless racks of jumpers, jeans and t-shirts. Their next event is on Thursday 8th May.  
  • Green Heart Collective, based in Team Valley, stocks a vibrant mix of retro fashion and pieces made from sustainable fibres like bamboo and organic cotton. They also have refill stations and reuse packaging materials as part of their wider commitment to sustainability. 

Shopping second-hand locally ties directly into this year’s theme of thinking globally and acting locally. When unsold clothing in the UK is shipped abroad – often to countries in the Global South – it can overwhelm local markets and contribute to growing textile waste dumps (WRAP, 2017). By supporting second-hand fashion here in Newcastle, we help slow down that cycle and reduce the burden on communities elsewhere. 

  1. Repurpose older items 

Another way to easily extend the life of a clothing item is by upcycling, tailoring or mending your existing items. There are many alteration businesses dotted around Newcastle, including StarStitch , located on Saville Row. From installing a new zipper, to mending tears, your favourite items will easily be revived for a fraction of their original price. 

Alternatively, if you don’t feel like visiting a tailor, there are plenty of local groups designed to help you harness your DIY sewing skills. Here are a few ideas: 

  • The Baltic Sewing Bee takes place every Thursday, bringing together a network of keen sewers who can help you with any small sewing projects 
  • Hut on the Green is in Gosforth Central Park and teach sewing classes, as well as a range of other creative workshops 

By repairing and reusing, we reduce our impact on the global fashion system while supporting skills and sustainability in our own community. For some easy and trendy upcycling tips, check out our other sustainable fashion blog. 

Image: Nestled between the shrubbery of Gosforth Central Park, Hut on the Green, offers sewing classes for beginners (Source: Chronicle Live). 

  1. Swap don’t shop 

Clothing swaps are a fun, free, and sustainable way to refresh your wardrobe without buying anything new. By trading clothes you no longer wear for something new-to-you, you extend the life of garments and help reduce demand for fast fashion. There are a few swap points around Newcastle including: 

  • The People’s Exchange in Ouseburn allow you to “Shop, Swap or Drop” old garments. If you bring in a batch of items, you can earn a percentage of their resale value or receive store credit to spend on something new. 
  • Northumbria University have two upcoming swap shop events at their Student’s Union. The next even is taking place on Wednesday the 30th of April. 
  • The Magic Hat Cafe has recently held swap shops, usually on the weekend. Keep an eye on their page for any upcoming events! 

Like upcycling and mending, clothing swaps keep clothes in circulation and out of landfill – a simple way to act locally while thinking globally. Plus, attending swap groups is a great way to connect with fellow fashion-lovers in your community. 

Image: A vibrant clothing rack on display at one of the many popular Swap Shop events hosted by Northumbria Students’ Union. (Source: Northumbria Students’ Union Facebook). 

Fashion Revolution Week is a great time to remind ourselves of the meaningful action we can take right here in Newcastle. These small, local choices ripple outward, challenging the fast fashion system and reducing its impact on people and the planet. If everyone took up one of the three solutions mentioned above, we can reshape the fashion industry into one that values longevity over trend-chasing. 

Thank you so much for reading! If you are interested in Fashion Revolution, you can subscribe to their newsletter here. For more information on what we do to be sustainable at Newcastle University, see our webpage or contact us at sustainable-campus@ncl.ac.uk 

To learn more about the issues surrounding textile waste dumps, visit The OR Foundation; you can also explore the Speak Volumes campaign, which challenges global systems of waste colonialism, and the Clean Clothes Campaign, which advocates for the rights of fast fashion workers. 

References: 

https://www.wrap.ngo/sites/default/files/2020-10/WRAP-valuing-our-clothes-the-cost-of-uk-fashion_WRAP.pdf

https://cf-assets-tup.thredup.com/resale_report/2023/thredUP_2023_Resale_Report_FINAL.pdf