Every year, around 400 million tonnes of paper and paperboard are produced, with numbers predicted to double by 2050. The paper industry is among the top five most energy-intensive industries globally and production requires significant amounts of water.
Printing may seem like a small, everyday activity, but its environmental impact can add up quickly. Adopting more sustainable printing practices can help us to reduce waste, energy use, and carbon emissions across campus.
The Quad – Photograph by Charlotte Robson
Print less
Before printing, take a moment to think about the necessity of printing. Could a digital version of the document serve the same purpose?
Print better
Sometimes printing is necessary. When there is a need to print, there are steps we can take to be more sustainable and efficient.
Print double-sided to reduce paper usage
Choose black and white instead of colour
Print multiple slides per page for lecture notes
Always preview documents before printing to avoid reprints
Recycle!
When printing can’t be avoided, it’s important that all paper waste is correctly disposed of in one of our designated paper recycling bins (blue bin).
If clean, you can recycle all types of paper in the paper recycling bins, including:
any white or coloured paper
shredded paper
photocopier and computer paper
leaflets, magazines, journals, newspapers and catalogues
envelopes, including those with brown paper and/ or windows
thin card such as cereal packaging and microwave meal sleeves
Books
Please do not put paper coffee cups, waxed paper or sandwich wrappers in the paper bins.
Thank you for reading this blog. Make sure you rethink next time you print!
It is therefore essential we avoid food waste where we can, and that where food waste can’t be avoided, we process it in the best way possible.
Food waste at Newcastle University
In March 2025, the Simpler Recycling legislation came into force, meaning that all UK businesses with 10 or more employees must have food waste segregation and collections in place. While Newcastle University has had food waste caddies and collections for several years on campus, this was expanded to all University-owned accommodation in January 2025.
All food waste is taken by Biffa to a local anaerobic digestion (AD) facility. Here, food waste is processed into fertiliser, as well as a methane-rich ‘biogas’ which is fed back into the national grid.
Newcastle University is highly aware of the issues surrounding food waste and has also implemented several initiatives to combat them, such as:
Giving excess food to local food banks and to our new Student Pantry.
Catered events are advised to order an amount of food which is less than the amount of people visiting so there is less waste.
Ingredients which are left over are used to make other meals if possible.
If one food outlet closes earlier than another, the food is transported to another that is open later.
How to reduce food waste
Want to save some money and produce less food waste? Check out these top tips from Love Food Hate Waste…
Think before you shop
Take a few moments to consider what you need before you hit the shop. Check what you actually need in your fridge, freezer, and cupboards, and plan to use up anything that’s going to expire soon. And don’t forget to take your shopping list with you to keep you on track!
Plan your meals
Create a realistic flexible meal plan, and leave space for a ‘use up fridge food’ meal. Planning for what you’ll eat during the week reduces buying any ‘just in case’ food, saving you money and reducing the possibility of wasting food.
Don’t throw your leftovers
If you have food leftover from a meal, put it in the fridge or freezer. This means you can eat it at a later date, and it doesn’t get wasted!
Top tip: Make sure to label your food with a date so you know how long it has been there to ensure its safe to eat.
Store your food right
Putting your food away in the right places will help keep it fresher for longer. This guide created by Love Food Hate Waste has some great tips about how to best store different food items, and the visual guide below shows what should go where in the fridge.
Get more value and nourishment from your food by eating and using all the edible parts and reduce what goes in the bin. One example would be to save yourself some time by not peeling carrots or potatoes – less food waste and time saved is surely a win-win situation!
Try a food waste app
If you know you won’t use your item and it is still within its use-by date, list it on a food waste app like Olio. This way, you can get rid of items you won’t use and somebody in your community can benefit from a free food donation!
For more good food habits, recipe information and more, visit Love Food Hate Waste.
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!
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 cleanto maintain a good condition level
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 toincrease your visibility to other road users.
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.
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?
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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!
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.
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
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!
Date
Location
Time
What3Words
Thursday 7th August
Medical School Reception Entrance
10:00 am – 15:00 pm
count.rally.olive
Tips for New Cyclists
If you’re considering starting your cycling journey, here are some essential tips to ensure safety and security:
Always wear a helmet
Obey traffic lights and road signals
Don’t ride on the pavement unless a sign says you can
Use lights and reflectors so you are clearly visible
Don’t use headphones or a mobile while cycling
Remove lights and accessories from your bicycle when it is parked
Always securely lock your bicycle with at least one ‘Sold Secure’ certified cycle lock and only use purpose-designed Sheffield stands or racks
Don’t leave your bicycle on campus overnight
If possible, arrange adequate insurance to cover any theft or damage to your bicycle
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 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:
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
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!
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
