Living Green at DRS
- Blog
- 2 min read
- •Posted April 2025
Greener Together: How Deakin Res is Making Sustainability Second Nature
At Deakin Res, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a commitment to building a better, more environmentally conscious future for everyone. From growing fresh herbs in our community gardens to swapping cling wrap for beeswax, we’re all about creating a campus environment that’s not only vibrant and inclusive but also environmentally conscious.
Whether you're a recycling pro or just learning the ropes of eco-living, Res Life is the perfect place to start living a little lighter on the planet. Let’s take a look at just 5 of the creative (and fun!) ways we’re embracing sustainability across our residences.
1. The Zero Waste Breakfast: A Tasty Start to a Greener Day
Mornings at Res have never looked so wholesome. Our Zero Waste Breakfast events are all about good food without the landfill guilt. Residents enjoy delicious, locally sourced options—all served without single-use packaging. Think bulk granola, reusable cutlery, and a strong focus on mindful eating.
The vibe? Chill, chatty, and cheerful. It's a great way to start the day while learning practical tips about reducing waste in everyday life.
(infact did you know that all of our food related events are zero waste ... aka you have BYO your own utensils and cutlery?!)
“I never thought a breakfast could make me rethink my habits—but it did! I now carry my own cutlery and keep snacks in jars,” one resident shared.
2. Grow It Yourself: The Res Community Garden
There’s something deeply satisfying about picking fresh mint for your tea—or plucking a cherry tomato straight off the vine. Our community garden gives residents the chance to dig in (literally!) and grow their own herbs, veggies, and flowers.
Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just want to get your hands dirty for the first time, the garden is a peaceful space to connect with nature—and your neighbours.
“The community garden has become one of my favourite places to relax. It’s also where I’ve met some of my closest friends in Res,” says Emily, a Burwood resident.
3. Welcome Packs With a Purpose
Forget the usual freebies. At Deakin Res, our Welcome Packs include something a little more thoughtful—reusable lunchboxes! These cute and practical containers (yes, they’re Insta-worthy) help new residents kick off their uni life with sustainable habits right from the start.
“It was such a nice surprise. I still use mine every day for snacks between classes,” one resi shared with us.
4. Wrap it Up—The Beeswax Way
Plastic wrap? Not on our watch. In our hands-on Beeswax Wrap Workshops, residents learn how to make their own reusable food wraps. It’s DIY, eco-friendly, and surprisingly fun.
You leave the workshop with new skills, a wrap or two for your lunch, and a sense of satisfaction knowing you’ve taken one small step away from plastic waste. Events like this are dotted all throughout our free events programming at DeakinRes so if you love this idea then you’ll love the other initiatives we facilitate, too!
5. Hydration Without The Waste
Forget buying bottled water—our campuses are fitted with filtered Water Refill Stations, perfect for topping up your reusable bottle on the go. They’re clean, convenient, and help us cut down on single-use plastics one sip at a time.
Ok we know we said 5, but we couldn’t help ourselves noting just a few more, like our insane Recyclobot (a bottle and can refund station, giving Resi’s 10c for every bottle or can they recycle!) or our succulent planting events where residents paint their own pots and fill them with succulents helping the environment and their general wellbeing.
Sustainability at Deakin Res isn’t about perfection—it’s about participation. You don’t have to be an eco-warrior to get involved. Whether it’s growing a sprig of basil, saying no to single-use plastics, or attending one of our many planet-friendly events, you’ll find that every small step adds up—and often comes with a side of good food or new friends.
So, if you’re ready to live green, learn new skills, and be part of a community that cares for the planet (and each other), DeakinRes is the place to be.
Want to dig in deeper or see what we're up to next? Follow us on Instagram @deakinres and join the movement. 🌿
Written by
Gel Kleinboonschate is the Senior Officer, Future Resident Engagement. Having worked in the Student Accommodation industry for nearly 8 years, specialising in student engagement and experience, Gel is passionate about ensuring all residents feel a sense of value and belonging.
