Green Action Week (20-24February 2023) at the Dunn School
The Dunn School proudly hoisted the Green Group Flag to mark the start of Green Action Week (20-24 February 2023). This year was particularly special as it marked the University of Oxford's inaugural Green Action Week, with the Dunn School's Green Group leading the charge in making it a truly memorable event.
In a collaborative effort, the Green Group, the Graduate Student Association (GSA), the Postdoc Association (PDA), and the Finance and Service team at the Dunn School, along with members of the Ineos Institute and the University of Oxford Sustainability team, organised a series of activities. These initiatives rallied the entire Dunn School community around the shared goal of combating climate change and reducing waste.
One of the highlights of the week was the visit from Pushpanath Krishnamurthy (Push), a renowned climate activist. Push has walked over 35 million steps and engaged with thousands of people, giving a voice to vulnerable communities most affected by climate change. He has also worked with governments and businesses to establish Fairtrade agreements, helping communities better manage their ecosystems. All funds raised during Green Action Week were donated to Push's charity, GoPushGo!
Green Action Week also incorporated recurring Dunn School events, such as the Bike Doctor, the Freezer Challenge (congratulations to this month's winners, the Tang Lab), and the popular Dunn Drinks. The latter was organised by the Raff and Robertson labs, featuring locally sourced vegetarian and vegan food and drinks in reduced packaging.
Other notable events included a Charity Bake Sale organised by the Dunn School's Finance team, a clothes and plant/seed swap, and an autoclave box counting challenge competition organised by the GSA. These initiatives aimed to promote sustainable choices and reduce waste.
The Green Group also set up a refill station for household essentials, encouraging the community to reduce single-use plastic. This station was generously sponsored by suppliers who also highlighted their sustainable practices and products. To further inspire the green movement across the university, the Green Group hosted tours showcasing the various green initiatives adopted at the Dunn School.
The impact of Green Action Week 2023 was evident in the lively discussions it sparked across the Dunn School and the popularity of the refill station. We hope that this event has inspired our community to take further steps towards a greener future. We eagerly anticipate the new and exciting initiatives that 2023 will bring.
Poster designed by the University of Oxford sustainability team and modified by Saroj Saurya for the Dunn School Green Group.
PCR Biosystems representative at their green stall at Dunn School during Green Action Week. Photo by Jo Peel
Sustainable suppliers' exhibition poster at Dunn School during Green Action Week. Poster created by Saroj Saurya
Poster designed by the University of Oxford sustainability team and modified by Saroj Saurya for the Dunn School Green Group.