By Fiona
Brewis
6) Proposed an aesthetic wildflower meadow. I have also met with the man in charge of the flashy wildflower meadow roundabouts in Durham and we’re planning to start our own on one of the college lawns. 7) Helped create new environmentthemed modules. I have wiggled my way into some student-staff working groups as a representative of ECO DU (Environmental Community of Durham University), a student group aiming to promote Durham University’s engagement with environmental issues. Through my involvement with this group, I proposed ideas and advised on the creation of new environment-themed interdisciplinary modules.
“So, you’re the eco rep? I suppose you ordered the veggie option?” A carnivorous neighbour at my first college formal smirked.
year, especially from the new Greening Ustinov and Sheraton Park (GUSP) group. I’ve also been grateful to the students and staff for supporting my initiatives; having a wee feisty ecowarrior stomp up to you waving plans for plant domination can be tiring to deal with.
8) Ran climate-themed events. I created two environment-themed pub quizzes, assisted GUSP in holding a community recycling event, and stewarded at ECO DU’s Valentine’s Day climate strike. I had hoped to hold litter-picks and nature walks, but sadly Covid-19 had other ideas…
Here’s a list of the stuff I’ve done:
“Actually, I ordered the steak,” I smirked back, quelling the inevitable “eco guilt” which rises up like a disapproving Greta Thunberg at the mere thought of a carbon-intensive indulgence. At that point in time, I was transitioning from bountiful bacon buyer to proud plantbased promoter. I’d cook vegetarian but plump for pork when eating out. I munched defiantly on my meat, trying to avert my thoughts from the many rainforests which had been deforested to grow the soya used for my late cow’s feed.
1) Donated oak seedlings. With GUSP, we dug up oak seedlings which selfseeded in the flowerbeds behind Neville House and donated them to a couple that is part of Grandparents for Climate Action – a sub-section of Extinction Rebellion – who were planting up the banks of a river to lessen the flooding downstream in Lanchester in future years.
9) Tried to get students to recycle. Although ultimately recycling is terrible, and is a symptom of extreme overconsumerism, it’s still pretty bad that Ustinov has the worst recycling rate of all of the colleges. I sent out a pleading email, however since I acknowledge that emails are fairly ineffective, I am planning to ask the porters to educate people on which bin to put things in upon their arrival in September 2020.
I am a stereotype of today’s environmental movement: young, female, veggie, unshaven armpit hair - if men aren’t expected to shave theirs, I’m sure as heck not shaving mine. Feminist, necessarily. Competition for the eco rep role was not fierce; I was the only person to run for it. To me, this is somewhat concerning given that Ustinov is a college of hundreds of students, all of whom will be impacted by the effects of the climate crisis. Perhaps it shows a lack of widespread education on the climate, perhaps it shows people tend to understandably prioritise their more immediate worries, i.e., the survival of a laborious postgraduate programme. In any case, I’ve been delighted to witness a high level of engagement from the local resident community this
theUstinovian
2) Started a community allotment. My faithful flatmates, other Ustinovian students, and local resident volunteers have been fantastic, tirelessly mashing up lawn to make room to grow spuds. Watch this space. 3) Reduced waste from the bar. Worked with the Bar Steward to facilitate the phasing out of single-use plastic cups in the bar and introduce a vegan menu. Coffee grounds and green food waste are now composted at the allotment. At least, when the café is not closed because of a global health pandemic. 4) Lobbied for pedestrian safety. Contacted the local councillors and asked that they focus resources on improving pedestrian safety at Potters Bank. In order to walk to university, the 400 students who live in Sheraton Park must cross a busy, dangerous road at the end of Westhouse Avenue, where there is no crossing. I have been chasing this up since December 2020.
Renewing the Environment
Renewing the Environment: Ustinov’s 2020 Impact
5) Rewilded part of the grounds. To improve the biodiversity of the Sheraton Park green spaces – I despise lawn monocultures – I have met with the Grounds Manager and arranged for the patch of grass to the left side of Neville House to be rewilded. It is already growing long and forming a wildflower meadow.
10) Proposed a community orchard & herb garden. GUSP is supporting me with this and we hope to plant the first apple tree soon & get people involved ASAP. In terms of facilities, Sheraton House already has solar panels on the roof and the remaining electricity is sourced from an offshore wind farm on the North East coast (which is the source of all electrical energy at Durham University). The heating in the college buildings is unfortunately gas, however it is turned off throughout summer months, to the dismay of those hailing from warmer climes. So tell me, what do you do for the environment?
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