Student accommodation opens swap shop to help tackle waste in the community

Vita Student Manchester has launched a new sustainable initiative to help decrease waste and give pre-loved goods a second lease of life thanks to the Vita Student Swap Shop.

With the average person reportedly throwing 400kg of waste away every year*, the impact that individuals can have on the environment is significant. The Vita Student Swap Shops aim to tackle this issue by encouraging students to share previously loved items which they no longer have a use for, donating them to other residents. Whether that’s last year’s expensive text books or an Instagram worthy dress that needs a new lease of life, residents can now conveniently visit their Hub reception to drop off goods or pick up a new item.

The aim is for students to help the environment and save money on expensive items they need for their studies such as textbooks which can be a significant cost. A recent survey by Save The Students**, said students spend around £17 per month on study materials like textbooks, and £34 per month on clothing.

“The Vita Student Swap Shop is a small, simple step that our students can take to living in a more sustainable way,” said Max Bielby, Chief Operating Officer at Vita Student, “giving previously loved items with plenty of life in them a new beginning.”

The Vita Student Swap Shop is currently only open to Vita Student residents and is located next to the foyer in the lobby of the building.