“Hello! I’m Alana Wheat, interim Sustainability Project Officer working in Keele University’s Sustainability Team. I help support sustainability activities and projects across the campus.
This Earth Day, I’m excited to share with you some tips on how you can be more sustainable whilst on campus at Keele University.
Sustainability is about meeting the needs of the present without compromising the needs of the future. Although this may seem like a massive task, it isn’t possible without small steps from individuals. Remember, it isn’t just about ‘going green’, it is also really important to think about all other social and economic factors that go into sustainability which all tie in together.
How can you get involved?
1. Volunteer and lend a hand with Campus Green Team, Hedgehog Friendly Campus, Student Eats Gardening, Great Donate… there are so many opportunities available!
2. Join societies and clubs — this will help to support the Keele University community and improve your health and wellbeing! Maybe start your own ‘sustainable society’ or encourage the societies you are involved in to be more sustainability-conscious.
3. Get involved and have your say with Student’s Union meetings and Student Voice Representatives. You can even become a Sustainability Voice Representative! Take part in wider community action by voting and marching to raise your voice for change.
4. Reduce your waste — gradually phase to more sustainable alternative products. Use the refill stations and remember to bring your reusable cup. Why not have a look at ‘Weigh to Go’ in the Student’s Union?
5. Connect with Green Keele — helping to ‘embed sustainability in all that we do’. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
6. Become a Sustainability Halls Rep, Voice Representative or Auditor and help encourage sustainability in your halls, school, and your course.
7. Explore and go ‘plogging’ via the woodland walks around campus and why not litter pick as you go along. Also, try cycling and walking, or taking the bus or carpooling and make more observations of your surroundings.
8. Reduce, reuse and recycle — from books in the library, clothes, bags, food, etc. Donate to charities and the Great Donate. Buy less, don’t buy what you don’t need.
9. Save energy and water by turning off electricals on standby, turning off lights, putting a lid on your saucepan, wearing a jumper, showering, and only taking what you need.
10. Share and discuss — talk to your friends and peers about sustainability and what they recommend. Come along to the Climate Café and meet conscious individuals wanting to make a difference! If you are a member of staff, you can join the Staff Sustainability Network and if you are a student, you are welcome to join the Sustainability Community!
The theme for Earth Day 2022 is #InvestInOurPlanet, did you know that Keele University has never invested in fossil fuels or arms companies? Click here for more information on Keele investments.
If you want to know more about sustainability at Keele or how to make your life as a student more sustainable, follow Green Keele on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and check out the Green Keele webpages. We’re also keen to support new student projects, so if you’ve seen something that we could improve on, share your ideas through social media or email us at sustainability@keele.ac.uk.
We’d love to see your photos of sustainability activities you’re involved in too, so tag us on Instagram @green_keele!”
