Submitted by Grainne Kennedy on Wed, 2018-10-31 09:00
This November is Spotlight on Waste month, the month where we raise awareness of all things waste. We, as a University, have not only committed to increasing our recycling rate to 95% but we are also working towards reducing the volume of waste produced year-on-year. The volume of waste produced by departments did decrease by 16% last year but we still have a long way to go. So, how can you contribute to reaching these waste goals during Spotlight on Waste month?
- Join us for bin-busting on 13 November
Passionate about reducing your waste? Are you interested in how your institution can reduce waste? This year waste has come to the fore more than ever with the likes of Blue Planet making us all think about the waste we all produce and the impact it has. At the University of Cambridge's bin busting event we'll be delving, literally, into the messy topic of waste. The University's Environment and Energy section are running this bin audit where we assess how much of everything we are throwing away, which will help us to better target our waste reduction and recycling initiatives. Attendees become associates of the Living Laboratory for Sustainability.
You can sign up to participate here.
- Become a sustainable fashionista
Fashion can have a devastating impact on the environment; from the pesticides used in growing cotton, to water-polluting dyes and finally to the fact that many clothes are disposed of after just a few wears. Local charity, Circular Cambridge, has decided to provide an alternative by organising the city’s first Sustainable Fashion Festival on 17 November.
Identify your particular style and see how you can reduce the environmental impact of the clothes you wear at this interesting and informative event.
- Get crafty at our Upcycle Workshop
23 November is Black Friday, the biggest day of consumption each year. Instead of buying new the Environment and Energy section are inviting staff and students to join us at our Upcycling workshop and clothes Swap, where we will make fantastic new things out of items that would’ve been thrown away. Places are limited, you can book your ticket here.
If you are keen to reduce, reuse and upcycle, why not organise your own event? Our Spotlight on Waste guide provides many event ideas. We would love to hear about your events, tag us on Instagram @CambridgeSust or on Facebook @CUEnvironment.