{"id":21364,"date":"2023-06-05T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-05T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.edgehill.ac.uk\/ls\/?p=21364"},"modified":"2023-08-03T08:46:17","modified_gmt":"2023-08-03T07:46:17","slug":"sustainable-student-engagement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.edgehill.ac.uk\/ls\/2023\/06\/05\/sustainable-student-engagement\/","title":{"rendered":"Library and Learning Services are helping YOU become an agent of change for the environment through sustainable student engagement \u267b\ufe0f"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The future of our beautiful planet is at risk from climate change, pollution and unsustainable practices. But we can all do our part (however small) to reduce our carbon footprint. And this is exactly what Library and Learning Services<\/a> have been exploring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By rethinking our approach to student engagement we are empowering YOU to become an agent of change for the environment. And when better to tell you more about how we have been achieving this than on World Environment Day<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year World Environment Day<\/strong> is asking you to join the global effort to #BeatPlasticPollution<\/strong>! And that’s exactly what we\u2019ve done for our student events and campaigns. Over the past 12 months we’ve slowly, and mindfully, replaced and upgraded our \u2018freebies\u2019 and engagement activities to introduce:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Eco-Friendly Freebies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Book Bags<\/strong><\/a> made from 70% recycled cotton<\/strong> (from off cuts, waste cotton and towels) blended with 30% polyester<\/strong> (from recycled plastic bottles<\/strong>). Each bag has a strapline and green tag indicating they are \u2018made from recycled materials\u2019. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pens<\/strong><\/a> made from 100% natural resources and fully compostable at end of life<\/strong>. Yes, even the \u2018plastic\u2019 parts! Which are made from polylactic acid found naturally in corn starch, yucca or sugar cane. In addition to our branding we included directions to encourage you to \u2018compost me\u2019<\/strong> at the end of the pens life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"UniSkills<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"Compost<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"Black<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Sustainable Sweets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Individually wrapped (compostable cellophane) fruit drops<\/a> (vegan and gluten free), and a kitchen compost caddy to collect your wrappers have been provided at larger scale events. Your wrappers are taken home at the end of each event and composted in my very own vegetable garden!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reusable Voting Activity<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Three glass jars (recyclable) with bamboo lids (reusable) were bought locally. Along with a set of biodegradable tokens<\/a> made from starch bioplastics, which completely break down if exposed to elements. And the tokens were sourced from a company in North Wales, further helping us contribute to fewer unnecessary travel emissions. We’ve used these jars to run fun polls for you at different events!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ethical Rewards<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the polls invited you to vote on which \u2018prize\u2019 you would most like to win with three sustainable options to choose from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n