BUas ’ Green Office :
You might have already heard of the Green Office . This is a brand that many universities in the Netherlands have . They might have differences in shape and form still . Still , the basic idea of being a student group with support from staff to spread the word on social and ecological sustainability on campus is the same . The members of the Green Office are all students , and until now , the activities have been mainly focused on students . In contrast , the AFP ( Accommodation , Facility , and Planning ) department focuses more on staff . Together they cover the whole community .
The Green Office of BUas started in 2020 and is based on Viktoria ’ s thesis . It ’ s not a physical office but one that has physical meetings and organizes activities based on the SDGs ( Sustainable Development Goals ). The motivation behind the initiative is to educate and motivate the students to get actively involved in sustainability and improve their general wellbeing , along with that of the planet itself . The Green office wants to promote a sustainable lifestyle and generate discussions among students about sustainability . Livia Rondina Catini and Kim Hanke are currently running the Green Office . Together with the active Green Office member , we try to make a difference !
Due to the lockdown , there have not been many activities this last year . However , one activity that continues to thrive monthly is the clothing swap . You might have heard of the clothing swap . This event shows us that there is not always a need to buy fast fashion . “ You can have a more sustainable lifestyle and have fun as well . It ’ s interesting to do ,” Kim explains . Livia adds , “ Many people liked it and have asked if we could do it every month . “ The Green Office also held an Upcycling event , where you could change the color of your clothes by dying them or adding more detail to them . Not only does the office organize its event , but collaboration is also key to making a bigger impact . “ Whenever there is a bigger event in the city of Breda , we try to participate .” Livia elaborates . “ During the Dutch
Happiness week , we collaborated on a workshop creating seed bombs and decorating flowerpots , and we organized a clothing swap for the Good Mood week . Furthermore , they are busy organizing even more fun events for the future ! “
“ Together , we can make more impact .”
“ Not only does The Green Office focus on sustainability , but they are also part of the Community Team - they help organize events where you can meet people on campus and work together with clubs like the Gardening Club ! One of the future goals is to gain more members . With a bigger group of interested people , more new ideas , activities , and events can come out of student collaboration . “ Together , we can make more impact ,” Livia mentions . Kim adds , “ With only five active members , organizing events will be more difficult .
Every second week on Wednesday at 17.00 hrs . in Fe1.029 , the members of The Green Office meet . In these meetings , they brainstorm new ideas for future activities . There is always room for more students , and they are happy to welcome any interested new members ! “ There are no requirements to be part of The Green Office , only interest in the subject ! You don ’ t need to know a great deal about sustainability . As long as you want to learn , you are welcome to join ! Students from all different BUas programs can become members ,” Kim adds .
Would you like to join a Green Office meeting and share your thoughts on how to be more sustainable ?
Contact : community @ buas . nl More information : Student portal – Community Organization - BUas Community – Green Office