World Environment Day is celebrated annually on 5 June and encourages awareness and action for the protection of the environment.
There are loads to way to get involved:
1. Organise a Litter Pick
It’s estimated that more than two million pieces of litter are dropped daily in the UK. Organising a community clean-up is a great way to make a difference and bring people together.
It’s important to plan ahead e.g.
- Do you need permission from the Council or landowner for the litter pick?
- Have you carried out a risk assessment?
- Where will you leave the waste after the pick up
Don’t forget, you can now hire litter pick equipment from the Students’ Union by filling out this form.
2. Switch to Reusable Bottles
The UK disposes of approximately 38 million plastic bottles a day. By switching to a reusable water bottle you can avoid adding to the statistics. There are free water refill stations around the SU as well as across campus to fill up your bottle.
3. Get Involved with Conservation and Environmental Organisations
We have connections with a range of volunteering providers who organise safe, fun and enriching opportunities.
From National Trust Buildings, to the Eden Project and Belfast YMCA – there are plenty of opportunities to choose from.
Take a look though the list and see what speaks to you.
4. Do Some Gardening
Gardening can help improve the air quality and boost biodiversity.
If you don’t have your own garden, don’t worry there are loads around campus and in the community.
BT9 has an allotment running all year round and we’ve recently started a gardening group in the SU (sign up to the Volunteer newsletter to get news on the next meet up).
Wildflower Alley, Eglantine Community Garden and Lennoxvale Tree Nursery are just a handful of the community gardens you can get involved with.
5. Buy Second Hand
As well as saving you money, buying second hand clothing can reduce your impact on the environment. According to the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) the amount of water used by the fashion industry annually would be enough to meet the needs of five million people.
Our Swap Shop is open Monday to Thursday, 12:30 – 4pm on the ground floor of the SU, and we’re in a great spot for second hands shops on Botanic Avenue.
