Eco and Ethics
Environmental issues in Langwith are taken care of by the Environment and Ethics Rep Cameron (who can be contacted at eco) but that doesn't mean there's nothing left for everyone else to do. These are just a few suggestions of ways in which you can help make Langwith become a more environmentally-friendly college.
Recycling
You may notice the recycling bins around Langwith kitchens. At the moment we have the facilities to recycle paper, cans, glass, cardboard and plastic bottles. Each kitchen has 5 seperate bags for recycling, and it is the responsibility of each floor to take their recycling to the bins which are located outside of each block. You can also recycle used batteries at the Porters' Lodge, and some computer rooms have bins for ink cartridges and old mobiles.
There are recycling points located at several points around campus. For those of you who are keen to help us make Langwith as environmentally-friendly as possible, the closest point is located in the car park in front of the college (just behind the bike sheds).
York City Council provide a kerbside recycling scheme for the majority of households, providing collection facilities for paper, glass and tins on a fortnightly basis. A recycling centre is also now open at Hazel Court (off Lawrence Street/Hull Road) which takes all kinds of rubbish for recycling. For more information, see www.york.gov.uk/waste/recycling.
Fairtrade
Fairtrade is very important to us as we want to make sure that everyone gets a fair wage for the work that they do. Fairtrade products are available on campus in Your Shop and Costcutter. Products such as Fairtrade tea and coffee are available in all campus outlets, including Langwith.
Energy Efficiency
We know that the argument around campus is that you've already paid for your utilities such as electricity and central heating, so why bother remembering to turn things off when going on a night out? But it can save so much energy! Just remember the money saved could be used by the University to improve things for you, such as bigger and better events and more funding for societies.
When living off-campus you'll realise how much extra money leaving the radiators on all the time or forgetting to switch off your bathroom light really does cost. Your landlord should also have an energy certificate for the house, which you are entitled to see.
So please, if you're not in your kitchen, room or bathroom, turn the light off and don't waste central heating by putting the radiator on high and leaving your window wide open. It makes a huge difference.
Transport
You can reduce the pollution emitted into the atmosphere when travelling around York. The easiest way into town is walking, which takes only around 15 minutes, or by bike which takes even less time. Cheap bikes can be bought at the Cycle Fair in the first few weeks of the Autumn term. Keep a lookout for posters and info on the Uni's homepage. Public transport is a good alternative when you need to go a bit further. First run the 'ftr', the big purple bus on the number 4 route from the Uni to the town centre and the railway station. A single is £1.90 and a student return is £2.50, which is valid from the Uni as far as the train station. There are numerous other bus services throughout York. During the early morning the 4U runs every half hour Monday to Thursday from the station to the University and back. Singles are £1.50 and the £2 returns are valid on this service. York is also well served on the national rail network, with frequent trains to London King's Cross, Leeds, Manchester (and Manchester Airport), Liverpool, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Tickets can be very cheap when booked in advance, especially if you have a Young Persons Railcard, which can be bought either at the station or online. The National Express East Coast website gives a further 10% off tickets and has free postage and no administration fees, which some websites do charge.