Submitted by Jessica Haskell on Mon, 2020-04-27 21:37
Clare College’s undergraduate environmental society, Clare Goes Green, has launched a new campaign to help inform people about how their daily decisions contribute to their carbon footprint. This ‘Green Weekends’ project aims to show people that you can dramatically reduce your greenhouse gas emissions without compromising significantly on your quality of life.
Secretary Rowan Williams says, “People really do care in principle about the environment, but aren't clear on what they can do that really makes a difference – which is why this is such a great idea, just providing straightforward, useful facts to those who want them.”
Over six consecutive weekends, students and staff who sign up to the Green Weekends mailing list will be sent graphics, key facts and commentaries about the carbon emissions of different aspects of everyday life. Topics will include some of the biggest contributors to the average person’s environmental impact (like food, heating and transport) as well things that students in particular will be interested in (like going on nights out, buying new phones or using the internet).
The ‘Green Weekends’ project was inspired by the team’s desire to give people something to feel positive about during a tough time, enabling them to make meaningful changes that will help create a sustainable future. The idea of ‘Weekends’ was settled upon in the hope that it will resonate with people currently craving structure, particularly students who still have to revise but have no timetabled deadlines.
By providing information and tangible actions that can help combat the climate crisis, we hope that the Green Weekends project will be a source of optimism at this difficult time. The current situation will have highlighted to many the fragility of what we have taken as ‘normal’, but it also poses an opportunity.
Vice President Tereza Zoumpalova says that: “Because of the pandemic, it is much harder to live sustainably; using public transport and buying zero waste groceries aren’t an option, and for many people it’s the last thing on their minds. However, right now, people may find themselves with extra time on their hands, so there is an opportunity to teach people more about their own impact on the environment.”
It seems timely to provide this important information when many people are having to rethink their daily routines and choices.
The team are delighted that within the first four days we have had over 100 people sign up to our mailing list. Have you been thinking about raising awareness of something similar? If so, go for it! You never know how many people might be interested.
Written by David Barton, President of Clare Goes Green