Over to Niel...
I have been with the Sustainable Development Unit for 6 months now and it has completely transformed who I am as a person and how I view the world. I wanted to do something that had an impact on society and contributed to solving some of our biggest problems. I also get great support from my mentor Simon (Head of Sustainability) and David (Sustainability Project Officer).
The University of Greenwich is proud to be one of the most sustainable universities in the world and having maintained our 'First Class' Award these past 7 years.
Greenwich has genuine eco-champions that are looking to transform the way we deliver our services, the way learn and the way we live. I hope that at the end of my time there is a greater awareness of sustainability on campus, so that students can become empowered to challenge bad practices and become the drivers of change not only for the institution but for themselves.
I never feel like I'm at work, I only feel like I'm making a difference.
Get Involved
Fairtrade Fortnight
Fairtrade Fortnight is taking place on 24 February - 10 March 2020, look out for more information on what's taking place shortly.
I am also working towards maintaining the University's Fairtrade Accreditation. The importance of trade justice in reducing inequalities, creating decent economic growth and ultimately creating better lives for farmers cannot be stressed enough.
I work closely with all our caterers to ensure that we stock, increase and continue to promote Fairtrade products on campus. The more we purchase Fairtrade products; the more income farmers can earn. In my personal life, I have completely made the commitment to always making the Fairtrade choice.
Green Week
Green Week took place 11-15 November 2019, with disposable-free days, a vegan taster session, a Green Film Night, Dr Bike, Garden Day, a Climate Change Summit and an Shwop with the Amnesty Society, there was plenty going on.
Look out for Green Week 2020 next academic year and get involved to Make Your Change.
The waste awareness day, shwopping and model united nations conference on climate change are some other fantastic highlights of Green Week. Reaching out and creating new partnerships to make the event a success was particularly enjoyable as I got to meet a lot of the people at Greenwich who are passionate about making the world a better place to live. During this week I organised a debate on ecocide where a group of students had the opportunity to discuss the potential criminal liability of big corporations and governments for harming our environment.
These conversations are at the cutting edge of the corporate world with growing climate litigation and mass fossil fuel divestment so considering sustainability and climate change can also give students a competitive edge in the job market.
Eco-Team
One of the highlights working in sustainability at Greenwich is going to Eco-team meetings.
This is really where I get the opportunity to brainstorm, contemplate and discuss sustainable ideas. The mix of student and staff also gives me the opportunity to learn a lot from those that have been working more technically in the field.
So if you're passionate about environmental sustainability, it would be great to see you there too.
Swap your resolution for REVOLUTION! ��
— GreenwichSustainHub (@Sust_Greenwich) 14 January 2020
Join the Ecoteam Greenwich, this and every THURSDAY from 5 to 7pm in the Dreadnought Building, room 026.
Working together, lets make 2020 the year of climate conciousness��, responsibility�� and environmental justice!! ������⛰ pic.twitter.com/2qB40U7hck
