How to help your university transform into a Green campus

08 Feb 2019

Since the release of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, Global Warming of 1.5 ºC, many have tried to strengthen the global response to climate change, sustainable development and the eradication of poverty.

Just one of many reports out there, there’s no escaping the reality of our planet’s diminishing beauty.

In a bid to make an impact, many universities are improving their eco-efforts with specially-designed buildings for students to use and revolutionary recycling initiatives.

So, if you’re reading this and your university has yet to acquire a worthy sustainable approach to their educational structures and campus systems, here are a few practical improvements that can be easily implemented:

Is your campus eco-friendly? Source: Gem Lauris/Unsplash

On-site organic farming

To remain on track with organic agriculture trends, why not suggest an on-site organic farming project?

From growing basic vegetables to hosting a couple of campus chickens, there’s no shortage of ideas that could flourish from this scheme.

On top of helping the environment, you’d also be igniting community spirit. By gathering your peers together to produce and farm, firm friendships will also grow.

Campus clothes collections

Tired of your worn-out jumpers or last year’s university hoodie?

If you’re planning to upgrade your wardrobe with the cash you have spare, why not start a campus clothes collection service?

As one student out of thousands of others who are also revamping their wardrobes this year, together, you’ll create a positive collective.

The clothes may be donated to charities or recycled, instead of thrown away and added to a mountain of garbage on the outskirts of your city.

Two sophomores started Clean Closets to promote sustainable fashion on campus through trips to thrift shops and organize eco-friendly clothing drives https://t.co/1dN7ZjybK7

— The GW Hatchet (@gwhatchet) January 31, 2019

Solar power installations

Instead of building more student centres and innovation hubs with energy-wasting resources, why not ask your university to think about the type of materials they’re using and how they can cut costs with cheaper, eco-friendly materials?

By putting forward the idea of solar power installations, your university will not only save on costs but will also radiate an eco-friendly experience.

During university tours or public visits, people will admire the institution’s innovations and view them as a non-polluting knowledge hub.

Recycling counsellors

By appointing a recycling counsellor on every campus, your university could keep a close eye on the eco-effectiveness of students.

These counsellors could be environmental learners looking to make a real-world impact. By handing out advice and establishing engaging strategies, they’ll help create a wholesome campus environment for all to enjoy.

Start a go-to eco page

If your university is lacking a webpage that provides information on their latest campus clean-up events or local organic food fairs, why not start one?

That’s what the students at the University of North Texas did.

As you can see from their Twitter page below, they’re always publishing interesting updates and innovative ways to improve campus life for students, professors and the planet!

Do you want to make your mark here on campus? Do you want to see your idea come to life?

Propose your idea of how #UNT can be more eco-friendly and it could get funded! Deadline for proposal submission is March 1st #WMGF @UNT_DSA https://t.co/PcvQrfikYP pic.twitter.com/hegwBBX2Jt

— UNT We Mean Green Fund (@UNTWMGF) January 22, 2019