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Green UNB – Earth Day Every Day will launch Monday, Nov. 16. The initiative, a collaboration between University of New Brunswick (UNB) Sustainability, UNB Student Union (UNBSU) and GreenNexxus, will encourage students, staff and faculty to engage in acts of green in their day-to-day lives and to track and share them through an online engagement platform. 

There are a variety of ways to take part including energy and water conservation, sustainable food systems, transportation and reducing waste. A few examples include: eating less meat, turning off the lights when they are not in use, purchasing locally grown produce, carpooling and donating clothing and other used goods.

“The idea behind this initiative is that a small act can make a big difference,” said Danielle Smith, coordinator, UNB Sustainability. “Behavioural change is key to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting our environment.”

Students, staff and faculty can sign up for Earth Day Every Day at Green UNB, where each completed act can be recorded and tracked throughout the year.

A carbon footprint reduction calculator displays each individuals overall impact. This provides insight on how small everyday actions can make a huge difference for our planet. Acts within the engagement platforms are sponsored by local business with in the Fredericton area.

“It is really great to have support for this initiative from local businesses,” said Smith, “it really goes to show that more people are invested in the protection of our planet.”

You can count your first act of green by attending a screening of “An Inconvenient Truth” hosted by UNBSU on Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. in Tilley 102. This event plans to be a zero waste, carbon neutral event. Students are asked to bring their own mugs and bowls for provided food and refreshments.