UNF to host student-led conversation on reducing single-use plastic on campus
The University of North Florida’s Institute of Environmental Research and Education (IERE) is hosting a student-led conversation about reducing single-use plastic at UNF on Monday, Oct. 25 at 6 p.m. in the John A. Delaney Student Union.
During the Drastic about Plastic event, participants will be given an overview of the scope and severity of the plastic pollution crisis. Students will also hear from Crystal Boutwell, a representative from Student Public Interest Research Groups (PIRG) about the actions students from other universities are taking to address plastic pollution on their campuses. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to collaborate by engaging in a meaningful group discussion about the future of single-use plastics at UNF and will work together to draft and sign a student pledge against plastic.
Created by Erin Ogrodnik, UNF Hicks Honors College junior studying biology, Drastic about Plastic takes aim at the global plastic pollution crisis by working to incite behavior change in college students regarding their single-use plastic consumption. Working in partnership with the UNF IERE and its initiative to reduce single-use plastic consumption and foster pro-environmental behaviors, the project focuses on student education and engagement. The education efforts will include educational workshops and a summit with community leaders to discuss innovative solutions to plastic pollution at the state and local levels.
Drastic about Plastic is one of four fellowship projects at UNF funded by the United Nations Academic Impact and Millennium Campus Network’s Millennium Fellowship program, a semester-long leadership development program that convenes, challenges, and celebrates collegiate student leadership to advance the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals on campuses and in communities throughout globe. UNF’s program is led by UNF Hicks Honors College students Savanna Courtney-Durrett and Tammy Cao.