THE University of Worcester held a week of activities highlighting key sustainability issues and what students and staff can do to make a difference.

The annual Go Green Week, an initiative on campus led by students, was themed around a different sustainable living topic each day.

One day looked at nature and wellbeing, with the chance to learn about the plastics in oceans and make a wild bird feeder.

Another focused on food and health, with a Jamaican food stall, the chance to try some vegetarian and vegan food, thanks to the Worcester Students’ Union Veggie and Vegan Society, and a sustainable food quiz. 

There were also cooking demonstrations showing people how to avoid wasting food and how to make meals using local produce.  Free samples of dehydrated bananas were given out to show how overripe fruits can be made into healthy snacks.

Other activities during the week looked at how to cut down energy use in student houses and a student switch off competition, in which students won prizes of free chilli and sunflower plants and cake.

As part of a focus on sustainable transport, students and staff had the chance during the week to try out new electric bikes, which are part of the Woo Bikes scheme that the University is piloting.

The week also included a community litter pick, a collection for the Worcester Foodbank, distribution of free poppy seeds, a repair café offering repairs on clothes and bikes, bike security, wheelchair and bike safety checks, and a clothing donation event.

Fifteen external organisations were involved in the week, hosting events and providing stalls offering information and advice. 

Naomi Goldman, 22, a 1st year Geography student, who helped organise some of the activities, said: “I think it went well and we had a lot of people coming every day. 

"We had lots of fun activities so people could learn about sustainability in a fun positive way rather than lecturing people.  I loved the energy day because it was very specific to campus and I think it’s important for students to know how to save energy.  Go Green Week is important for the University. 

"Getting people talking about sustainability is important and I think a lot of people don’t know that much about it.”

Rasa Liepina, 20, a second year Media and Culture student, who was involved in Go Green Week, said: “The food focused day was brilliant.  The food demonstrations were amazing and people’s reaction to it was very open.  I saw people engaging and talking about food and food waste.

“I think it’s important to have such events within the University because in day to day life there are so many little things we don’t think about that we could do to be more sustainable.  University is a good opportunity to put forward this message.”

The University, working with other partners in the City, will be holding a further Go Green Week of activities in the centre of Worcester for the public in April 17 to April 21.