Are you passionate about the environment?
Without the dedication of students, a lot of our projects could not have been a success. Below are a few blogs written by former students who have volunteered on projects within our team. Like what you read? You can volunteer with us at anytime, contact sustainability@gre.ac.uk or check out our Green Ambassador Programme.
We also recruit to a paid jobshop post, so you can study whilst working with us. Keep a look out for when we may next recruit if you wanted to view what our paid students thought about that opportunity look at the jobshop experience page.
Emma Porter – Social Media Volunteer (23/24)
I’m a master’s student at Greenwich studying Strategic Advertising and Marketing Communications with a passion for sustainability. Growing up on an island, I’ve always cared deeply for the environment, and for as long as I can remember I’ve been trying to make my lifestyle as eco-friendly as possible.
My time volunteering gave me tangible experience into making sustainability content, creating posting schedules, and brainstorming all the different ways to you can relate sustainability (and CSR by extension) with business. I discovered this is my passion, and I am happy to say that this volunteering helped me get a job working in marketing for a B Corp centred around reducing single-use plastic.
Even if you’re just interested to learn more about it, I highly recommend volunteering for the sustainability team! There are so many important life skills to gain, and so much fun to be had!
Michelle Kossowski – Clothes Swap Volunteer (23/24)
“My name is Michelle Kossowski, an international Law student passionate about sustainability. My interest began in high school through online campaigns, leading me to adopt eco-friendly habits such as reducing meat consumption and properly separating waste. After speaking with one of the team’s representatives during Welcome Fair, I knew the sustainability team was the place for me! As a volunteer, I worked on Clothes Swap Events promoting the circular economy and volunteered for the London Student Sustainability Conference 2024’s social media team.
These experiences enhanced my confidence, interpersonal, and teamwork skills. Volunteering with the team not only deepened my understanding of sustainability but also offered personal growth opportunities and allowed me to connect with passionate students. They are welcoming and are excited to help you grow while promoting our common ambition of a climate-conscious world. I recommend volunteering with the team, whether you have heard about the cause yesterday or have been campaigning for years!”
Jade Burnett – Sustainability Intern 2017
“As a shiny new graduate of Greenwich, I was really excited to be involved and have a positive impact on the curriculum. During my time I was working with academics, programme leaders and students to design a sustainable framework that will be tailored to the needs of the University.
I realise now that sustainability encompasses so much more; I find myself now looking at the products I am buying, asking where my food is coming from, how ethical the company is and just how much am I wasting? I have now learnt that regardless of how small, every behavioural change that I make is valuable and this is something that I am keen to communicate.”
Adissa Savane – Sustainability Events Intern 2016
“I graduated in Human Resource Management. I didn’t have much knowledge on the subject of Sustainability when I was offered this internship. All I knew was that it covered many aspects related to the environment and nature. This role gave me transferable knowledge and an understanding of what project management entails.
My role lasted three months, and it focussed on delivering the annual Ethical & Fairtrade Fortnight campaign. This was a key campaign to help with the University Fairtrade awards.
I was working with key partners to manage, organise and coordinate the Fairtrade Fortnight across all three campuses in order to educate people and make them aware of what to eat, drink and even wear. Seeing the scale of this event for the university, it was stressful stuff but I believe I will achieve something positive for my future career.”
Jazmine Linklater – Sustainability Events Intern 2016
“After graduating from my Creative Writing degree, I never anticipated becoming a member of the team. Interestingly, it turns out it’s something I’ve been banging on about for a long time; to my friends, my family, anyone who provokes a debate… Why do you use plastic? Are you certain that the makeup you’re using doesn’t test on animals?
So, yeah, I’d been talking it for quite a long time – I just didn’t realise the heading it fell under. It was an opportunity to exercise some influence. Within the first few days I learnt about some crazy stuff the uni’s already done towards being green – that I had no idea about. In the same week I also learnt to prune apple and pear trees in our community garden at Avery Hill, which, if you haven’t visited yet you absolutely must.
Ellen McKee – Sustainability Events Volunteer 2016
“During my time working with the Sustainability Team I have been surprised at the sheer scope of what sustainability entails. One hour I could be writing a report on water use and the next be rifling through a trolley for anything left over from the Student Reuse Project!
What I’ve come to realize on this placement is that it can be easy to stick our heads in the sand when sustainability is bought up. It is a term that can engulf all areas of life and therefore can seem quite daunting. However because of this very nature, it is so EASY to get involved with!
I know that whatever job I go into I can incorporate sustainability and bring something new and exciting to the table.”
Jamal Pennie – Sustainability Intern 2014
I graduated last year in Building Surveying and the lessons learned from this internship are invaluable. This past week I have been working alongside my team to push forward the Sustainable food fortnight events.
his is one of the best experiences of work you can get. It’s that blend of responsibilities which makes the internship such a brilliant opportunity. I will definitely take the principles and approaches learned and apply them into a career in the construction/property industry which is in need of it.
