Sustainability Volunteering

We all have our part to play in transitioning to a more sustainable future. If you're feeling inspired to help make a difference, why not take action and join a sustainable volunteering group. There are plenty of options to choose from both on campus and in the local area, enabling you to give back, support the cause and ultimately make a contribution to reducing the environmental impact on our planet. Not only will you be helping the environment, volunteering can provide an opportunity to meet like minded people, learn new skills, and studies have shown that it can also help to improve your wellbeing. If you're part of our Doing UoR Bit sustainability platform, you could even earn points by sharing what sustainability related voluntary work you have completed. If you're not already signed up, join Doing #UoR Bit here.

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." Helen Keller
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead

Select whether you are a University of Reading staff member or student to find out more about some of the available sustainability volunteering opportunities.

STUDENT VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES

Taking part in voluntary work relating to improving sustainability could also help put you well on your way to working towards the University's RED Sustainable Action award. Although those opportunities below referenced as ' RED Award Volunteering Opportunities' have already been approved for contribution towards the awards by the University, many of the other opportunities listed may count. You can find out more about the RED Awards here.

On Campus Sustainability Volunteering Opportunities for Students

There are a number of volunteering opportunities via the Students Union societies, or if you've got an idea of your own for improving sustainability on campus, why not go even further and start a new society and bring others along on the journey.

  • Sustainability Champions -  Take part in our regular litter picking afternoons, giving you a great opportunity to get involved with the local community, enjoy some free refreshments, and get to know other students passionate about the environment and community!
  • Student Eats Garden - Come to the garden and get your hands dirty. Once the hard work is over, relax in the garden and maybe take some fresh vegetables home to eat, depending on supply. You can even take charge of your own little plot (once you've built it).
  • Hedgehog Society - Would you like to help make our campus more hedgehog friendly, take part in fun activities and attend free workshops and training, all while making a meaningful difference to the nations favourite mammal? Join in to make the University campus more hedgehog friendly.
  • Vegan and Vegetarian Society - Lots of opportunities to explore new foods, meet new people and attend exciting events! Join this society to explore different food and lifestyles.
  • Reading Environmental Crisis Community - Bringing together staff and students across the University, to allow more involvement with environmental campaigns that go beyond everyday climate actions. Join us to learn more and make change happen.
  • WaterAid - Support our student ambassadors to raise the profile of WaterAid campaigns to ensure clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene for everyone.

Keep up to date with volunteering opportunities through Reading Students Union: Volunteering at RSU.

Other Local Sustainability Volunteering Opportunities for Students

  • RED Award Volunteering Opportunities: head to the 'Conservation' section to check out the latest volunteering opportunities in the local area relating to sustainability. These opportunities have already been reviewed by the University and approved for contribution towards our RED awards, as detailed on the page.
  • Other Local Volunteering Opportunities: There are plenty of other ways you can volunteer in the local community. Reading Voluntary Action (RVA) is the best place to find loads of opportunities in the local area. They provide information and access to resources for volunteers, as well as working to recruit and train the people who work with charities, community groups and other voluntary organisations in Reading.

                

STAFF SUSTAINABILITY VOLUNTEERING

Local Volunteering Opportunities - Check out the latest local volunteering opportunities on the University's volunteering webpage. There are plenty of opportunities to choose from. Reading Voluntary Action (RVA) is the best place to find loads of opportunities in the local area. They provide information and access to resources for volunteers, as well as working to recruit and train the people who work with charities, community groups and other voluntary organisations in Reading.

Student Eats Garden - It's not just for students! Despite the name, we welcome volunteers from all across the University. Gardening has been shown to be a great way to unwind and support your wellbeing, and you will have the opportunity to take home some of the fruits of your labour when demand allows.

Climate Ambassador Scheme - for those with experience and expertise relating to climate change or sustainability, why not become a Climate Ambassador? The Climate Ambassador Scheme will connect climate experts with teachers, school leaders and all those involved within our education system to deliver the latest knowledge on climate change and sustainability from our campuses into schools, nurseries and colleges. Being a Climate Ambassador involves devoting as little as one or two days a year to make a big change in schools, colleges or nurseries. It could involve delivering training to teachers, informing, assessing or recommending climate teaching resources, or helping a school reduce its carbon footprint. You can sign up here. What's more, if you're registered with our Doing #UoR Bit platform, you will earn 1,250 points for letting us know you have signed up to the scheme, and a further 1,000 points when you share with is what activities you have undertaken as a Climate Ambassador.

 Skip to content