Green Gown Awards 2016 – Sustainability Student Champion – Karen Elliott – Finalist

Karen Elliott - University of Chester

Karen Elliott has been involved in all things environmental and sustainable since beginning her Geography degree at the University of Chester, astounding many on how she managed her time and excelled in her studies. This contributed to her being awarded the Keith Hilton Prize for Geography for her involvement in multiple volunteering and sustainable activities totalling over 300 hours, whilst achieving high grades.

Karen joined the People and Planet society, to then later become President and lead campaigns and raise money for charity. Through Green Chester, she has helped improve student engagement and participation in sustainable initiatives across the university. Within Green Impact, she has encouraged staff teams to participate in environmental behaviours to reduce carbon footprints.

Whilst being a waste reduction volunteer she has also improved people’s mentality towards recycling and food waste reduction. When not ‘greening’, she assists with the Geography department open days to help recruit more sustainable champions!

Top 3 learnings

1 Find your direction to best reach your objective. This can often lead to more opportunities!

2 Follow your passion, and be tenacious about it. This will improve both your cause, and influence others to join in.

3 Set realistic objectives. Don’t be disappointed if you can’t meet them, but don’t forget to share your achievements and successes too!

Videos

• Karen Elliott - University of Chester (click to hide)