What is Green Fornight?

Two weeks ago, in collaboration with UWE Bristol, The Students’ Union at UWE held our annual festival of eco ideas, events and smart living: Green Fortnight! It ran across 14 days and was packed with 51 events attended by over 1,200 students. We held dedicated seminars, activities, drop-ins, workshops and the events were all centred around educating our community on sustainable practices as well as tackling the climate crisis and protecting nature. Here are some of the highlights we’d like to celebrate and share with you.

The Hell Bus

The Hell Bus came to visit Frenchay Campus for the first three days of Green Fortnight. Over 600 of students explored the bus (an interactive art installation by artist Darren Cullen) and learnt about greenwashing through Cullen’s method of satirising the efforts of oil and gas companies to green their public image. Outside the Hell Bus students could also learn about sustainable banking – switching to a bank that invests your money sustainably can make a big difference.

Fashion Reimagined

At Bower we hosted a film showing where we watched ‘Fashion Reimagined’. Over 30 students came along to the event and learnt about Amy Powney, the owner of a truly sustainable fashion brand - Mother of Pearl. We followed her journey as she battled against her opposition and worked hard to ensure that every part of her supply chain was sustainable whilst still producing quality clothes.

Wildflower Planting

At all three campus sites the grounds team worked with students to plant over 5,000 wildflowers. Flowers such as oxeye daisies, bluebells and native tulips were planted, which will help to improve our campus, providing food and habitats for insects, birds and small mammals for years to come.

Placement Uniform Swap Shop

During Green Fortnight 106 students used the Placement Uniform Swap Shop at Glenside! This saved hundreds of pounds, reduced garment waste and students were able to wear uniform they feel comfortable in. The Placement Uniform Swap Shop will continue to help students throughout the year, opening every Wednesday, from 12pm -2pm, during term time.

Green New Deal Rising

On the 7^th of November we had a visit from Green New Deal Rising (a youth climate justice group) campaigning for a Green New Deal. Students learnt about their five main goals: 1) end our dependence on fossil fuels, 2) create future-proof jobs, 3) ensure the economy serves people and the planet, 4) protect and restore the environment and 5) promote Global justice. The workshop they ran was accessible to everyone, no matter their level of knowledge about the climate crisis and they finished with how students could get involved in Green New Deal.

Sustainable Period Product Trial

Additionally, we ran period stalls at Glenside and Bower Ashton campus sites. The period stalls offered students free, plastic free disposable period products and gave student's the opportunity to sign up to the sustainable period product trial. The trial offers students and staff the access to a free sustainable period product, such as menstrual cups or period pants, to help promote sustainable periods and engage people in considering their plastic waste. A total of 98 students signed up during Green Fortnight.

We really enjoyed this year’s festival and are looking forward to Green Fortnight 2024. We hope you are too!