Tips for being a sustainable flatmate

Three simple tips for saving water

1. Start a Shower-time Playlist

Taking 4-minute showers can drastically reduce water consumption, and creating a playlist of 4-minute bangers can make the experience enjoyable and easy. Some of our top suggestions are:

• "As It Was" – Harry Styles
• "Good 4 U" – Olivia Rodrigo
• "Anti-Hero" – Taylor Swift
• "Flowers" – Miley Cyrus
• "Just Dance" - Lady Gaga
• "Can't Stop the Feeling (from TROLLS)" - Justin Timberlake
• "He Ya! (Radio Mix)" - Outkast

Looking for more inspiration? Try this Spotify playlist from The Water Conservancy to get you grooving.

2. Save, don’t spill, the tea

By boiling only as much water as you need, rather than overfilling the kettle, you could save around £11 a year1 on your electricity bill.

3. Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth

We’ve been told it for year but honestly, turning the tap off when you don’t need it saves the typical household 9,000 litres of water a year2 and it’s that easy.

Three simple tips for saving energy

1. Start Vampire-slaying

Unplug 'vampire' devices (that drain power when left plugged in or on standby): smart speakers and home devices, set top boxes or recorders, TVs, Microwaves, Phones, tablets, computers and laptops left on charge. Switching appliances off at the socket does make a difference. When you take a break from studying, why not give your computer a break too and switch it fully off and take it off of charge.

2. Keep the warmth in and the cold out

As the cooler months approach, draft-proofing is a simple way to reduce heat leakage. Closing curtains and using draft-stoppers can make a big difference to the temperature inside a room. When you’re using a heater, closing the curtains can also help keep the room warmer for longer.

3. Be smart with your heating

Instead of immediately switching on the heating, try adding layers of clothing when it gets chilly. When using heating only switch them on in rooms you are using or use timers so your spaces are perfectly toasty when you need them and not heated when you don’t.

Three more tips for being sustainable

1. Get prepped when cooking

Before pre-heating the oven or hobs, make sure all your prep work is done – all your vegetables are cut up and your cooking essentials are close by. Not only will this help save energy by reducing the amount of time appliances are on, it could also help speed up your cooking.

2. Get knowledgeable

Stay informed about sustainability issues and the initiatives taking place across King’s. Attend workshops, read articles and engage in discussions. The more you know, the more you can contribute to making a difference. Check out our websites kcl.ac.uk/big-switch-off and kcl.ac.uk/climate-sustainability

3. Get involved

• Think about joining King’s Climate Action Network, get involved with the activities during King’s Climate & Sustainability Month, and learn about the Sustainability Projects Fund that is open to both staff and student-led projects.

• If you love gardening, why not get involved with King’s Community Garden or a community garden in your neighbourhood.

• Explore the KCLSU student societies focussed on sustainability.

• If you’re living in a King’s Residences accommodation, join in on the sustainability and biodiversity activities planned throughout the term.

Sources:

1. Groundwork UK (https://www.groundwork.org.uk/only-boil-the-water-you-need)
2. Energy Saving Trust 2025 (https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/simple-ways-to-save-water-at-home)