Green Week is coming up soon, and I’m so excited to see all the behind-the-scenes planning come to life. It’ll be taking place during the week of 16 March, and will be delivered in collaboration with the University.
Green Week is coming up soon, and I’m so excited to see all the behind-the-scenes planning come to life. It’ll be taking place during the week of 16 March, and will be delivered in collaboration with the University – head to their website to view their upcoming activity.
This year’s Green Week is packed with events, from talks and workshops to hands-on activities and chances to connect with others who care about making change. I can’t wait to see so many of you getting involved!
More Than Just the Planet
When we talk about “Green Week”, it’s natural to initially think about the environment: climate action, recycling, cutting waste, sustainable food. All of that is so important, but sustainability is about a lot more than just the planet.
In 1987, the United Nations defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” This includes the environment, but it also includes our communities, our health, our rights, and more. It’s about developing systems and cultures that last because they are fair and inclusive.
Sustainable Development Goals
To help create the framework for improving life for the future, the UN created the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). There are 17 goals covering everything from climate action to health, education, equality, and justice. They are there to remind us that sustainability isn’t just a single issue: it’s interconnected. Here are a few highlights from the SDGs and how they apply to our university community!
- Health and Wellbeing (SDG3): A university community can’t be sustainable if students are burnt out or struggling without support. Access to mental health services, inclusive activities and recognising pressure and balance all matter.
- Gender Equality (SDG5) and Reducing Inequalities (SDG10): A sustainable campus is one where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed and feel safe. That means challenging any forms of discrimination, supporting underrepresented voices and making our spaces inclusive.
- Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG16): On campus this means student voice, democratic representation and transparent decision-making. When students feel heard and empowered, our community becomes stronger.
Get Involved
Environmental action is still important, but it sits alongside these social and economic issues. For example, climate change disproportionately affects the most vulnerable communities. That’s why Green Week isn’t just about tote bags and recycling. It’s about creating the space to think outside of the box and ask what kind of campus (and world!) we want to build.
I’d encourage you to get involved in Green Week, whether you come along to an event, or start a conversation, or reflect on what sustainability means to you. I’m looking forward to seeing our campus full of ideas and conversations, and hopefully we can build a university community that appreciates all aspects of sustainability.
Written by Max Williams, Sustainability Officer.