Sustainable Living in Bristol: A Student's Guide to Eco-Friendly Choices

Bristol is consistently recognised as one of the UK’s greenest cities, known for its thriving environmental movement and vibrant, community-led sustainability scene. For students living at Canvas Bristol, eco-conscious living is more than just achievable, it’s part of everyday life. If you’re searching for Bristol student accommodation or student flats in Bristol that match your values, this guide offers practical tips to embrace sustainable living while making the most of the city’s independent spirit.

1. Choose Sustainable Student Accommodation

Living at Canvas Bristol, you're already a step ahead. Nestled in the heart of Stokes Croft, one of Bristol’s most creative and environmentally conscious neighbourhoods, Canvas Bristol is ideally placed for a sustainable, low-impact lifestyle for Bristol students.

With Gloucester Road on your doorstep, you’ll find yourself on one of the UK’s longest stretches of independent shops, cafés, and zero-waste stores—all easily reachable on foot. It’s also only 20 minute walk to the University of Bristol campus, meaning there’s no need for daily bus commutes or taxis. You can walk to lectures, the library, and student events, saving money and reducing your carbon footprint at the same time. The building is surrounded by everything you need for student life: refill stores, local markets, plant-based eateries, charity shops, and cycle-friendly routes. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee at a local café, doing a grocery run at a plastic-free shop, or heading out for an open mic night, you can do it all without ever needing a car.

Canvas Bristol  also supports your green lifestyle with:

• Secure indoor bike storage, perfect for getting around Bristol sustainably
• Recycling and food waste facilities
• Energy-efficient appliances and fittings
• Eco-focused resident events and community initiatives

 

2. Shop at Zero-Waste and Refill Stores Nearby

Living sustainably is made easier with several excellent zero-waste and refill shops within walking distance of Canvas Student Bristol:

🛒 Preserve Foods

Location: 208 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 8NU
Walking Time: 10 minutes from Canvas Bristol
What They Offer: A wide range of unpackaged, organic, and vegan foods, as well as non-food items like cleaning refills and toiletries. Bring your own containers to reduce single-use plastic waste.
 
🛒 Harvest

Location: 11 Gloucester Road, Bristol BS7 8AA
Walking Time: 12 minutes from Canvas Bristol
What They Offer: A vegetarian and vegan health food shop and deli offering a wide range of fresh, zero-waste, and organic products. Their zero-waste section includes cereals, pasta, cleaning products, toiletries, and over 80 spices.

🛒 Scoopaway

Location: 113 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 8AT
Walking Time: 15 minutes from Canvas Bristol
What They Offer: An independent natural and wholefoods store with a vast selection of plastic-free options. They provide an extensive range of cereals, dried fruits, nuts, pulses, herbs, spices, body care, and toiletries.
 
Remember to bring your own containers when visiting these stores to make the most of their refill options and contribute to reducing plastic waste. These shops not only support a sustainable lifestyle but also offer high-quality, organic products that are both good for you and the planet.

3. Eat Local and Seasonal

Living at Canvas Student Bristol places you in the heart of Stokes Croft, a vibrant neighborhood renowned for its commitment to sustainability and local produce. Within a short walk, you'll find a variety of independent cafes and restaurants that prioritize fresh, seasonal, and ethically sourced ingredients:

🥣 The Bristolian

Location: 2 Picton Street, Bristol BS6 5QA
Walking Time: 5 minutes from Canvas Bristol
What They Offer: A beloved independent cafe offering hearty breakfasts and brunches made with free-range and locally sourced ingredients. Their menu caters to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

🥗 Café Kino

Location: 108 Stokes Croft, Bristol BS1 3RU
Walking Time: 3 minutes from Canvas Bristol
What They Offer: A vegan and vegetarian cafe that doubles as a community hub. They serve a range of plant-based dishes, with an emphasis on organic and locally sourced ingredients.
 
🍳 The Crafty Egg

Location: 113 Stokes Croft, Bristol BS1 3RW
Walking Time: 4 minutes from Canvas Bristol
What They Offer: Known for its vibrant atmosphere, The Crafty Egg offers a diverse menu featuring brunch classics and artisan pizzas, all made with fresh, local produce.
 
🥐 Stokes Croft Market

Location: Stokes Croft, Bristol
Walking Time: 3 minutes from Canvas Bristol
What They Offer: A lively local market held on Saturdays, offering seasonal produce and locally made treats. It's an excellent spot to support local farmers and artisans while enjoying fresh, sustainable food options.
 
By choosing to dine at these establishments, you not only enjoy delicious meals but also contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle.

Why Sustainability Matters for Students

Living sustainably in university isn’t just a trend, it’s a smart lifestyle choice that benefits your health, your wallet, and the planet. From eco-friendly food options to low-impact travel, your decisions can have a meaningful impact. When selecting student accommodation for Bristol University, BIMM or UWE, choosing a community that supports green initiatives can help make these choices easier and more rewarding.

In a city that’s proud of its environmental leadership, where you live makes a difference - and Canvas Bristol makes it easy to live consciously every day.

Find out more on Canvas Bristol here.