England: Olivia Farris (Sustainability in London)

Sustainability in London: Sustainable Habits

One aspect of my life that has changed due to my gained sustainable habits is my grocery shopping. One habit that I started when I was in London was meal prepping. If I made a plan for what meals I will be eating in a week, I can make a grocery list and buy only what foods I need rather than going to the grocery store and buying whatever looks good. This allows me to buy less which not only reduces my food waste output but also my grocery costs. I also have invested in containers which can hold excess food, if I make which reduces food waste as well. Another habit I have had to make due to the foods in London, is buying my fruit separately. This is because the fruits go bad a lot quicker in the UK than they do in the US. At the beginning my placement, I was buying fruits along with my big grocery haul, but if I bought too many fruits they would typically end up bad. I now only buy fruits once I am completely out in order to not let any go to waste.

I plan to keep using these habits when back on campus in Wisconsin. Meal planning is not only a sustainable habit but keeps me in a routine so I do not end up without any food in the fridge. It also takes away the stress of making the decision of what I will eat each day, as it is already planned. I am glad I was able to develop these skills in my first year of university as typically many students do not because they are not buying their groceries and cooking for themselves.

Olivia Farris

Major: Sociology

Hometown: Oregon, Wisconsin