A look back at Go Green Week 2013

Warwick’s branch of the People and Planet Society organised speeches, live music and workshops to celebrate Go Green Week on campus. The week, held to raise awareness of environmental issues, is one of the largest student-run events of its kind in the country.

Students and visitors enjoyed a lecture from Natalie Bennett, leader of the Green Party. She talked about the need for a renewed emphasis on localism and delegates were invited to ask Ms Bennett questions about the green movement.

Bennett also spoke about her ambitions to expand the Green Party and broaden its focus, telling her audience that she was now focussing on campaigning for a living wage and the renationalisation of railways, alongside increased protection of the environment.

Other speakers included in gardening author, Charles Dowding and Warwick’s Energy Manager, Joel Cardinal.

Cycling featured prominently in Go Green Week. At the launch on Monday 18 February, students could enjoy a free smoothie in the SU atrium – made with a blender powered by an exercise bike. On Tuesday, a free repair service was also provided for bikes on the piazza.

The Warwick Allotment Society and the Warwick Uni Food Co-Op also ran events throughout the week. Local food was distributed and students were encouraged to get involved in growing their own.

On Thursday a charity, campaigning and volunteers fair was held in the Copper Rooms, before the week was bought to a close on Friday 22 February by a supper at Curiousitea. Free vegetarian and vegan food was provided and accompanied by live acoustic music.

The organisers were pleased with the week. Louis Waterman-Evans, a said, “We’re now trying to keep things moving forward, with our petition for better cycleways around campus and on-going People & Planet Society campaigns!”

Students also enjoyed the events. Third-year Maths student Sheena Mistry said, “I thought it was a really positive way to raise awareness for things like climate change. We need more of this kind of student activism on campus.”

Go Green Week is held annually and preparations are already in progress for next year.