Green Gown Awards 2017 - University of Worcester - Finalist

Green now white bags: Five years skilling students – a University/City recycling collaboration

The ‘White Bag’ project is the manifestation of a five-year collaboration between the University of Worcester, Council, refuse contractor and the Chartered Institution of Waste Management.

The project challenges students’ and landlords’ perceptions and behaviour on recycling, while giving students new skills along the way. Student landlords are given free recycling receptacles, information and support. Student volunteers receive industry-accredited training; they visit homes, talk with students and mentor their peers.

The project gives students an understanding of real issues facing a local authority and the opportunity to engage in deep learning while developing valuable skills, assisting their city in the process.

Top 3 learnings:

1 Include students, staff, governors and the local community in developing your vision.

2 We cannot do this on our own - little by way of innovation occurs in isolation and the University of Worcester is open to collaboration and collaborative models.

3 Create many scaffolding opportunities, so colleagues across the Students’ Union and University can connect with their discipline/area of expertise.  When it’s interwoven and inspirational more people can feel inspired to balance economic efficiency, social equity and environmental accountability.