The first semester at the University was not just about hitting the books; it was also a celebration of sustainability through engaging events that brought students and staff together with a shared goal of a greener future. The environmental sustainability team and our University’s Sustainability Champions helped to run over ten sustainability events in semester one.

The Sustainability Champions kicked off the events with a plant-based milk games stall to inform people about the different environmental impacts of different types of milk, with many shocked by the carbon footprint of dairy milk. Following this, a vegan Christmas food stall served up tasty Christmas treats paired with their recipes for students and staff to try at home. The innovative recipes made this event a hit among food enthusiasts and environmental advocates alike.

During the semester a screening of the film ‘Don’t look up’ was held, followed by a critical discussion about climate change and action which sparked meaningful discussions about how each of us can contribute to a more sustainable planet.

As the festive season came closer, the environmental sustainability team collaborated with the Want Not Waste society to host a sustainable Christmas fabric wrap workshop. Students and staff used waste fabric from the fashion department to sew together reusable fabric wraps. The workshop encouraged participants to think creatively about reducing waste, as each year over 227,000 miles of wrapping paper ends up in landfill in the UK.