Behaviour Change

Marine conservation is often reduced to a familiar list of actions. Use less plastic. Eat sustainable seafood. Reduce carbon emissions. Blah, blah… These of course are sensible ideas, but repeating them endlessly risks oversimplifying the real challenges facing our oceans. Many of the most significant pressures on marine ecosystems are systemic, political, and largely invisible. The Real Pressures on UK Marine Ecosystems In the UK, key marine conservation issues include declining water quality, chemical pollution, overexploitation of fisheries, and climate driven ecosystem change. Nutrient runoff from agriculture and urban areas contributes to algal blooms and oxygen loss in coastal waters.…

Lights are often left on in unoccupied areas across our campuses, both during the normal working day and out of hours. In some cases, there are valid reasons for this such as health and safety (e.g. on stairwells). However, in many instances the lights could be turned off without negatively impacting anyone. Therefore, saving energy, money and carbon emissions. What’s the aim? The Sustainability Team and Sustainability Champions across the university are running a campaign this autumn and winter which seeks to change individual behaviours and the culture across the university. The campaign aims to ensure that lighting is only…

The Department for Education (DfE) has opened applications for its Youth Sustainability Champion positions, a national sustainability leadership opportunity which University of Reading students can apply for. About the Youth Sustainability Champions scheme Are you 18-23 and passionate about sustainability and education? The Department for Education are recruiting for the next cohort of Youth Sustainability Champions (formerly Youth Focal Points) – three young people who will help shape education policy and provide a youth voice mechanism in heart of policy making. This is an incredible two-year opportunity to get involved in national decision making alongside civil servants and government ministers,…

Valentine’s Day is a time for love, romance, and celebrating relationships, but it’s also an opportunity to make more sustainable choices that minimise our environmental impact. From gifts to decorations to dining out, there are many ways to embrace sustainability while still showing affection for loved ones. Here’s how you can celebrate a greener Valentine’s Day this year: Choose Eco-Friendly Gifts One of the most common ways people celebrate Valentine’s Day is through gift giving. But not all gifts are created equal when it comes to sustainability. Instead of opting for mass produced items that may end up as waste,…