Green Initiatives
Sustainability Statement
CIS Abroad is dedicated to promoting and enacting sustainability initiatives. We believe that by doing our part in educating our participants and employees on green measures we can help keep the Earth around us clean. Therefore, we are delighted to announce that CIS Abroad has formed a sustainability committee known as “Green Flags.” We are joining many other organizations in the education abroad field who are working to prioritize sustainability and climate action in our operations and programming abroad. Learn more about it here!
Sustainability Built in Local Life
We pursue sustainability during our events and excursions in the following ways:
- We use public transport and walk when possible.
- We take our own reusable water bottles.
- We often take ‘packed lunches’ for lunch and snacks reducing waste (and enjoy an open-air picnic!).
- We go to local independent shops and cafes.
- We buy local, and are aware of carbon footprint and packing of items.
- We use ‘for life’ shopping bags and not single-use plastic.
- We do not carry plastic bags or rubbish bags- rather, each person is responsible for carrying their own rubbish and to take it home for appropriate recycling or disposal.
- Whenever possible, we share information guides and maps in digital format to reduce the need for paper or printing.
Living Green
Recycling
Edinburgh has been recognized as a leader in sustainability, recently named Europe's Leading Sustainable Destination for 2023. One of the city's key initiatives is its Zero Waste Team, which is responsible for implementing recycling programs and reducing waste across the city. Additionally, there are a number of recycling centers in Edinburgh, such as Specialist Waste Recycling and Citiwaste Recycling, that help to divert waste from landfills and promote a more sustainable future. With these efforts, Edinburgh is setting a shining example for eco-conscious cities around the world.
Most areas separate recyclables into plastics, metals, glass, paper, and compostable organic material. Oftentimes, you will see several of these categories combined in one clearly labelled container.
Recycling in your respective housing will vary. If you live in an apartment, the process of sorting will follow accordingly but you have to take out your own trash.
For more a guide on recycling practices in Edinburgh, click here.
Shopping
Edinburgh
All 3 campuses in Edinburgh Napier University have a ‘subsidized’ cafeteria with low cost meals and food items. The area is well served for cafes and ‘take away’, as well as grocery stores. A larger store for a weekly shopping is ASDA (open 24hrs). Take the #34 or #35 bus (approximately 10 mins) or LIDL (4 mins walk from accommodation).
There’s also an extensive range of thrift or ‘charity’ shops in Haymarket Dalry Road and in Tollcross (with very affordable kitchenware).
Good local farmers markets and local independent cafes are abundant in Edinburgh!
Public Transportation
For tips on using public transportation, see the How to Move Around section of this guidebook.
Water Consumption
Taking shorter showers at home can help conserve water, an essential resource, without compromising personal hygiene. By integrating this sustainable habit into daily life, residents and visitors alike can play a vital role in preserving Scotland's natural beauty and fostering a greener future for the city.
Energy and water are very expensive in Scotland, and overall in Europe. It's important to be mindful of the following:
- Turn off lights whenever you’re not home.
- Turn off the A/C when you’re not home.
- The length of time you take a shower.
- Use a reusable bag when shopping! Saves on plastic.
- Carry a reusable water bottle with you. Tap water is drinkable all over Europe and you can refill your water bottle at public water fountains.
- Avoid plastic packaging.
- Ask for no straw in your drink.
- Eat in instead of take away to avoid containers.
- Of course, don’t litter.