UBC plays a unique role in the region as a global leader in sustainability and climate action. The entire UBC community is committed to sustainability research, teaching, and learning. Students at UBC are some of the most proactive when it comes to sustainability efforts. There are numerous volunteer-run student clubs, organizations, and initiatives at UBC that have taken on the job to promote sustainability and implement sustainable practices that align with the university’s goal.
But, sometimes, sustainability can feel out of reach for the average student. While there is a desire to be sustainable, 5 courses and extracurriculars combined with attempting to have a social life can make this feel unrealistic. Especially, for student groups sustainability may be the last thing on everyone’s mind when trying to balance their own busy schedules AND organizing events for hundreds of undergraduate students throughout the year.
One simple way to help student groups be more sustainable is to be organized! Perhaps this is easier said than done. But staying organized can have wondrous effects on a student group’s sustainability efforts!
How you may ask?
The AMS at UBC alone has over 350+ student clubs and groups; many of who host events. One simple way organization can impact sustainability practices is through inventory management! If student groups are unaware of all the available resources to their disposal, they may generate a lot of unnecessary waste (and additional cost) through unnecessary overbuying. This is especially harmful to the environment if resources bought are plastic cups, cutlery, or plates. To better maximize the use of resources, it is key that students have an organizational system in place so that they are aware of what is available and, furthermore, can easily visualize and access the same. Most importantly, it is key that students recognize that by being organized, they can be sustainable! Student leaders or executives can play an important role in this. Student executives should promote and ensure the use of the organizational system and further motivate other students or volunteers to care about being sustainable.
Once students realize the link between organization and sustainability, the second step should be an attitude change! Adopting a greener approach to student life does not have to be difficult! Students at UBC have access to an entire community of faculty, staff, and other members who work to ensure a socially sustainable UBC community. Working collaboratively together to help enhance sustainable practices will be the key to success! Blogs like this that share helpful tips and knowledge about small practical changes to help improve sustainable efforts are important. Join the community or create your own, but the important thing is we work together!