Students at the University of Worcester have been helping people to see how making small changes to their daily activities could help them to live more sustainably.
The University’s annual Go Green Week, run by students, saw numerous events and activities taking place for people to get involved in.
Each day was themed around a different topic; nature and wellbeing, food and wellbeing, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, re-using and repair, and energy and transport.
A number of local businesses and organisations, dedicated to various aspects of sustainability, attended during the week to showcase the many ways we can all make a difference.
This included skin, haircare and lifestyle products with zero waste packaging, nature and wildlife conservation, and advice on how to waste less. There was a chance to try out free reusable cups, free vegan food, thanks to University caterer Aramark, and free bird feeders, wild flower seed bombs and plants. There was also a bike health and safety check, a photo competition, sewing and other repairs, information about car sharing, bus and train tickets, free energy advice, food demonstrations and a chance to try out an electric bike.
Children from local schools, Hollymount School and Oldbury Park, also attended to learn more about sustainable activities and even try some yoga, as part of a day looking at wellbeing.
Students involved in organising and running the week felt it had been a success.
Sam Brodie, 18, studying first year Human Geography, worked with the visiting schoolchildren. He said: “It’s gone really well and they have been really enthusiastic. We have seen lots of University students and staff but also residents from nearby coming in, which is great. It’s good because it does bring awareness – it’s given people the chance to know what’s going on and how they can help.”
Rosin Noonan, in her first year studying Physical Geography, said: “We gave away all the wild flower seed bombs which is good as planting them will help attract bees. It shows little things can make a big difference.
“It’s important to educate children and students too. Our generation and people younger than us are ultimately the ones that have the highest chance of reducing and mitigating the impact of climate change.”
First year Geography student Lauren Moreton, 18, said: “I just think sustainability is really current and it’s become more recognised and people need to know about it more so I think this is a good idea to get people to know more. It’s been really good and the children have enjoyed it.”
Sustainability projects, led by the University of Worcester working with Worcester City Council and local businesses and organisations, were recently recognised with two international silver Green Apple Awards.
Last year, the University was ranked the fourth most sustainable university in the country in People and Planet’s University League, which measures sustainability performance at higher education institutions.
As it has for the past two years, the University is planning a Go Green Week in the City in April.