Environment: Leicester students shortlisted for national green award
Written by Toby Cray
Meggie Eloy and Carla Field have been shortlisted as finalists for the 2020 Green Gown Awards for ‘Student Sustainability Champion of the Year’.
They have created a zero-waste shop on campus and their successful campaigning led Leicester University to become the first university in the UK to divest from fossil fuels.
Carla reacted to their nomination by stating: “It shows what we did wasn’t some little side project that friends did together, but something that makes an impact and is really important and was difficult, but we did it.”
Meggie, who has previously attended Green Gown Award (GGA) ceremonies added:
“It is a really cool event, and it is great to see what all the universities are doing and there are some students that are really leading the way in sustainability.
“So, it is exciting to now be nominated for it. Even if we don’t win, it is such a huge achievement for us to be even recognised.”
The university’s social impact team reacted to the news: “We are very proud of Meggie and Carla’s nomination.”
They added: “They have worked incredibly hard to launch their zero-waste shop for students and staff on campus and to push the university to develop a new ethical investment policy.
“It has been a pleasure to work with and support Meggie, Carla and Plan-It Change society over the last 2 years and their shortlisting for the GGA 2020 is a fitting celebration of their achievements.”
Both Meggie and Carla have now graduated from Leicester, as Carla states:
“Everything has been handed to the new plan-it change committee, so it is up to them how this continues. Plan-it change own the shop.”
Currently the zero-waste shop is closed as Carla adds:
“Now it is just a matter of waiting until things go back to normal and the ball can get rolling again and stock can be brought and displayed.”
Toby Cray is a second-year journalism student at the University of Leicester. You can find him on Instagram here: @toby5.c
