Your Guide to Living Sustainably in Edinburgh as a Student

It’s easy to think that living in a capital city like Edinburgh means you’ll be leaving a major footprint on the planet. In 2026, though, students at the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier University, and Heriot-Watt University are finding new and exciting ways to live more eco-consciously. If you can save a little money along the way, even better!

Sustainable Habit	Edinburgh Benefit	Impact Level
Active Travel	Cycle paths like the Union Canal	High
Rescued Food	Shrub Coop (Bread Street)	High
Second-hand Kits	Southbridge Street Charity Shops	Medium
Refill Shopping	The Refillery or Weigh To Go	Medium

How Can I Shop Sustainably in Edinburgh?

The urge to deck out your new room often leads to a massive shopping spree, but Edinburgh’s thriving second-hand scene is a better option. For kitchen supplies and clothes, the charity shops along Southbridge Street are known for having high-quality finds at a fraction of the recommended retail price.

If you’re keen to cut down on plastic, Edinburgh has several zero-waste hubs. Namely, The New Leaf Co-op and The Refillery. These places allow you to buy what you need in bulk, which is ideal for students who like to cook in batches. For daily groceries, consider visiting the Shrub Co-op on Bread Street. Here, you can find ‘Rescued Food’ where you only pay what you believe the goods are worth. This stops good food from going to landfill.

What is the Greenest Way to Get Around?

Edinburgh is a relatively walkable city, but when you need to cover more ground, active travel is the way to do it. Some of our properties, including The Malt Works and Straits Meadow, are close to major cycle routes. The city’s network of former rail lines and the Water of Leith walkway provide scenic, traffic-free paths that connect you to the city.

If the Scottish weather comes out to play, public transport is another good choice. Using a Ridacard or a young person’s free bus pass (if you are under 22 and living in Scotland) is an efficient way of reducing your carbon footprint without giving up the use of vehicles entirely.

What Local Initiatives Can I Get Involved In?

Joining a green community is the best way to make habits stick. Most universities have sustainability-focused societies, such as the Edinburgh Napier Sustainable Society or the University of Edinburgh’s Sustainability and Social Responsibility groups. These organisations often host events like the Student Sustainability Forum or bulb-planting at George Square Gardens. 

Bonus Green Tips

• The Meadows Share: Join this Facebook group to find free household items or to give away things you no longer need.
• Too Good To Go: The magic bag app that helps you rescue tasty food from your favourite restaurants.
• Edinburgh Tool Library: Why buy a drill or a set of tools you’ll only use once? Borrow them instead and save on storage space.
• Sustainability Rewards App: If you are at the University of Edinburgh, download the rewards app to earn points for your eco-friendly activities.

Choosing to live sustainably is about making smart choices. By simply tapping into the local community and choosing to reuse instead of disregard, you’re helping Scotland and the world become a more eco-friendly place. If you want to make the city your new home, take a moment to browse our collection of the finest student accommodation in Edinburgh.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to recycle my food waste in Edinburgh?

The City of Edinburgh Council provide dedicated small grey food waste caddies for most residential areas. You can put all food waste in here to be collected weekly and converted into nutrient-filled fertiliser.

Are there zero-waste shops near the main university

Yes, you will find several options within walking distance of the central university areas. The New Leaf Co-op is found in Marchmont near The Meadows, while The Refillery has a prominent spot in Newington, making it easy to top up on grains, pasta, and detergents between lectures.