The Green Review

University communities are essential in the effort to build sustainable futures. As UNB works towards its climate action and sustainability goals, UNB Sustainability is excited to highlight students, faculty and staff who are making a difference on campus as “Green Champions”. Know someone who should be a Green Champion? Let us know at sustain@unb.ca.

Our newest Green Champion is Hillary Nguyen (she/her), the International Student Transition Advisor at UNB’s Fredericton campus. Keep reading to learn why Hillary is a Green Champion!

My name is Hillary Nguyen (she/her), I am the International Student Advisor at UNB (Fredericton campus). I am from Vietnam originally. My family and I moved to Canada back in 2011 and I’ve called Fredericton my second home since then. I am thrilled to share with you my journey towards fostering a more sustainable and green campus environment.

One of my proudest achievements is the establishment of winter clothing pick-ups, held annually in October and January, specifically designed to support international students during the cold months in Canada. Recognizing the unique challenges they face in adapting to colder climates, this program aims to provide warm clothing essentials such as winter coats, mittens, hats, etc. This fosters a sense of community and support. Through collaborative efforts with staff, faculty and some public members, we have successfully collected and distributed a lot of winter clothing items in both Fall 2023 and Winter 2024, ensuring that our international students feel equipped to navigate the colder months comfortably.

Additionally, I have placed reusable items such as coffee mugs, household essentials, bedding, study supplies, etc. in accessible locations at C.C. Jones. These items are available for students to pick up, free of charge, encouraging them to make sustainable choices that contribute to the well-being of both our campus and the environment at large.

During this past year, I have made a shift towards online promotion strategies for our programs and events. By leveraging social media, campus e-news, and email newsletters, we have reached our target audience without relying on printed materials. This not only aligns with the broader goal of reducing paper waste, but also reflects a modern and eco-conscious approach to event marketing.

I know there is so much more that I can do to contribute towards a “greener” campus. I am excited about the potential for continued growth and positive environmental impact as we move forward.