Submitted by Grainne Kennedy on Fri, 2017-09-29 15:27
Improving the environmental performance of the University of Cambridge requires the commitment of hundreds, if not thousands, of people and one group that go above and beyond to contribute, are Green Officers. Green Officers are students with a passion for sustainability who volunteer their time to improve the sustainability of their College. They lead the way when it comes to engaging their fellow students on this important topic.
Could you be a Green Officer? Or, could you provide support to your College’s Green Officer?
This month Heather Rigby (pictured above on the right), JCR Green and Charities Officer for Magdalene College (pictured below on the right), gives us an insight into the work that Green Officers do.
“Studying at the University of Cambridge provides many an opportunity to get involved with a variety of societies and extra-curricular activities. Studying Geography and with a particular interest in environmental sustainability and everything ‘green’, I have been able to take part in a number of different rewarding activities that centre around environmental sustainability.
I am currently going into my final term as Magdalene JCR’s Green & Charities Officer. As the JCR Green & Charities Officer, I have had the opportunity to work with College staff and students to improve the College’s environmental sustainability, focusing on a number of issues including sustainable food and recycling. One of my main projects was running a ‘Sustainable Food Month’ in which I arranged for the college to have ‘Meat Free Monday’s’, hosted a screening of ‘Cowspiracy’, and I discussed with my College how we could get on board with the University’s Sustainable Food Policy. Working in this role has been an incredible experience and has taught me a lot in terms of raising awareness of environmental issues within the student body, as well as how to communicate and work effectively with college staff. I would therefore encourage anyone who is interested to apply for the role of Green Officer in their own JCR committees or join their sub-committees. If you are at Magdalene and are interested then please get in contact on Facebook or email hsr26@cam.ac.uk
Outside of Magdalene College, I help run the Geography Department’s ‘Green Impact Team’, a group of students from all year groups working together with staff to improve the department’s environmental performance. We have already achieved Bronze and Silver Awards and this year we will be going for Gold. We have a committee of Geographers who host a number of events including launch events to raise awareness and galvanise support from staff and students, a ‘Festive jumper day’ to encourage less heating, a film screening of ‘Demain’, a ‘Future of Sustainable Food’ panel discussion, and various competitions to incentivise students and staff to adopt more eco-friendly habits. If you are a geographer, then please do not hesitate to get in contact with me and join our committee of enthusiastic environmentalists!
Overall, this is just a tiny insight into some of the environmental activities and roles that you can get involved with at Cambridge. I would encourage you all to find what interests you most and don’t hesitate to get involved!”
If you would like to learn more about you can get involved please check out our website or get in touch.
