Led by the University’s Sustainability team, the week will complement existing campaigns promoted throughout the year, whilst educating staff and students to love their green campus and provide more opportunities for them to do their part to protect the planet.
Environmental Management Assistant Amber Quraishi commented: “With over 18,000 students and 3,900 staff, our activities as a University make a significant difference to our local environment, community, and the planet.
“This week is a great opportunity to learn more about sustainable development, what we get up to as a team, and how you can get involved in making a positive impact. There’s an event for everyone and all are welcome.”
Below is a schedule of what initiatives will take place throughout the week:
- Monday 17 February – Your coffee needn’t cost the earth: Ditch the disposable and join the reusable revolution!
A new pricing structure has been introduced in the University’s retail outlets, meaning there will now be an additional charge of 25p when purchasing a hot drink in a single-use disposable cup. Any surplus funds from the charges will be used to develop our ongoing environmental schemes. Make your pledge to re-use now and get a 10% discount on future purchases.
12pm-2pm, Edward Herbert Building Atrium
- Tuesday 18 February: The relaunch of the sustainability newsletter
To celebrate the University’s recent announcement that it has become a signatory of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals Accord, the Sustainability team will relaunch their newsletter, with a special edition being released as part of Sustainability Week.
Read it online from Tuesday, or sign up to become an Environmental Enthusiast so you can get the newsletters delivered straight to your inbox.
- Wednesday 19 February: Grime Scene Investigation Part 2
Students, prepare to get your hands dirty for the next Grime Scene Investigation! The team will once again be looking for student volunteers to help audit the waste and recycling from halls of residences to find out which are the best recyclers and the worst contaminators.
Not only will you learn how to improve your recycling habits on campus, but you’ll be doing your part to save the planet by giving up your valuable time, too. Those who are interested can register here.
Student social enterprise The Green Pea will also have a pop-up stall where they will be selling affordable swaps such as bamboo toothbrushes, menstrual cups and reusable straws.
10am-3pm, Edward Herbert Building
- Wednesday 19 February: The Rebellion Activity Day
Instant Dissidence will be hosting a day of events on campus for those with an interest in climate change and the arts.
Watch a free performance of The Rebellion from 6.30pm-7pm, and stick around for their Imagination Café, where the audience are invited to project into the future and imagine what a sustainable world would look like. There’s also an optional dance workshop available to attend from 10am-12pm; book your place here.
Stanley Evernden Studio, Martin Hall
- Thursday 20 February: ‘Behind the greens’ campus walk
Enjoy fresh air and gain fresh ideas by joining the Sustainability team on their campus walk. They will highlight the key sustainability spots throughout campus and discuss what happens behind the scenes to make the University environmentally-friendly.
There are limited spaces available, so sign up here to secure your place.
12:15pm-1:15pm, outside STEMLab
- Friday 21 February: LAGS indoor herb and soup-making workshop
Find out how to master the art of indoor herb gardening with the Landscape and Gardening Society to avoid your supermarket purchases withering away and going to waste. You’ll pot your own herbs ready to take home and enjoy a homemade soup too. Bookings can be made online.
2:30pm-5:30pm, LAGS Garden
By hosting the Sustainability Week, the University has committed to the principles of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals Accord, supporting the following goals in particular:
- 3 – Good health and wellbeing
- 11 – Sustainable cities and communities
- 12 – Responsible consumption and production
- 13 – Climate action
- 15 – Life on land
More information about the work of the University’s Sustainability team can be found on their website, or by following their Twitter, Facebook or Instagram profiles.