SAW Schedule: Oct. 24 to 28
The University of Alberta's Sustainability Awareness Week runs Monday, October 24 to Friday, October 28, 2022. Mark your calendars and enjoy!
Updated as of October 19, 2022.
11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Kick-Off Fair
SDG Connection:
Location: SUB Main Floor
The kick-off event of the exciting Sustainability Awareness Week (SAW). This fair serves as a hub to promote sustainability to students, faculty, staff and all university community members. It will host various university partners and organizations that are working on sustainable initiatives either on campus or in the greater Edmonton area. Stop by to learn more!
Hosted by the Sustainability Council (with participating organizations: Parkland Institute, The Landing, Energy & Climate Action, Community-Service Learning, Renewable Energy Design, the Sustainability Council, Alberta Public Interest Research Group, URI, Sustain SU, City of Edmonton Reuse Centre and Paths for People, Alberta Council for Global Cooperation and Land Reclamation, International Graduate School)
11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Certificate in Sustainability Project Poster Presentations
SDG Connection:
Location: SUB Main Floor
During this poster session, undergraduate students will present posters that showcase their capstone projects for the Certificate in Sustainability. The students worked under the guidance of academic advisors to research and complete independent projects on sustainability topics of their choice and that focus on the social, environmental and/or economic dimensions of sustainability. Feel free to check out the posters, find out about these interesting and unique projects and ask students about their work.
Featuring: TBD…
Hosted by the Sustainability Council
12–12:30 p.m.
Tour the Campus Food Bank's renovated space!
SDG Connection:
Location: SUB 1-81
The Campus Food Bank (CFB) is facing unprecedented demand. This year, it served as many clients in a week as it served in a month only a few years ago. In order to meet students’ needs, the CFB underwent an office renovation and reconfiguration to switch from serving hampers to welcoming clients into the space to shop for themselves like at a grocery store. The CFB is very excited to show off their new look to the campus community during SAW. See you in SUB 1-81!
Hosted by the Campus Food Bank
12–1:30 p.m.
APIRG's Anti-O 101 Workshop
SDG Connection:
Location: Online via Zoom [LINK]
The Alberta Public Interest Research Group (APIRG) is a student-run, student-funded non-profit based at the University of Alberta that upholds an anti-oppressive mandate. They analyze the structures that underlie inequity in our communities and seek grassroots solutions to build a better world.
APIRG's Anti-O 101 Workshop is an introductory workshop that explores anti-oppressive theory; understanding power and privilege; and concepts of equality, equity and justice. The workshop also has an interactive component in which participants can reflect on and navigate applying anti-oppressive concepts through scenarios they may encounter as students, employees and community members. Through the exploration of anti-oppression and related theories, you will investigate and discuss ideas of gender, equality and equity, and look at how to bring these back to your personal relationships and communities.
Hosted by the Alberta Public Interest Research Group (APIRG)
2–2:30 p.m.
How to Integrate Sustainability into Your Academic Journey: the Certificate in Sustainability
SDG Connection:
Location: CAB 273
Would you like to learn more about sustainability issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, food insecurity and more? Drop by for information about the Certificate in Sustainability, a free credential that can set your degree apart from the rest! It’s a great way to connect your education to your passion for solving social and environmental challenges. This session will highlight the certificate's benefits and requirements and provide ample opportunity to ask questions. Check out our website for information on the certificate's participating faculties and requirements.
Hosted by the Sustainability Council
3–5 p.m.
SDGA ‘Fall’ Into Reading Book Swap
SDG Connection:
Location: ED 327
The Sustainable Development Goals Alliance (SDGA) invites you to our Fall Into Reading Book Swap. Bring your old and used books and go home with some new reads. This is an opportunity to de-clutter your shelves, learn something new and participate in a sustainable circular economy. It’s also a fun way to meet fellow readers and earth-conscious folks. Sign up for the SDGA while you're here to make sure you don't miss any future events!
Hosted by the Sustainable Development Goals Alliance
8 a.m.–6 p.m.
SCORE! Donation Day
SDG Connection:
Location: Faith and Life Lounge at the Augustana Campus
A pop-up swap!
A store where everything is free!
A community marketplace of reciprocity!
A redistribution of goods!
Alternative economics!
A party!!
SCORE! is all of the above and more. The concept behind SCORE! is that within a community there is enough for everyone, but it is not being distributed fairly. SCORE! aims to solve this problem by creating a space where goods are freely swapped , traded and shared. If you have more than enough, then you can give. If you don’t have enough, then you are free to take. SCORE! breaks down barriers between haves and have-nots, rich and poor. It allows for everyone to come and stand on equal footing, all while finding an awesome score!
A social phenomenon, SCORE! promotes sustainability by redistributing goods and diverting potential waste from landfills. It also promotes up-cycling and DIY projects that focus on becoming more sustainable. By creating a free marketplace, SCORE! rejects the mindset of endless growth, profit and the power of the almighty dollar, and instead focuses on small acts of reciprocity and good will.
On Wednesday Oct. 26, donations will be accepted from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.. From one item to car loads, if you have more than you need you are welcome to donate to the swap. Volunteers will help with carrying, sorting and preparing the goods to be swapped the next day.
Hosted by the University of Alberta, Augustana Chaplaincy
5–7 p.m.
Basic Bike Maintenance Workshop by Sustain SU
SDG Connection:
Location: SAB 1-13
The Bike Library & Workshop is inviting you to join us at our Basic Bike Maintenance Workshop during Sustainability Awareness Week! The best part? No previous bike maintenance experience is required!
Our workshop is an opportunity for individuals with a bike to learn how to sustain their most sustainable transportation option. Ever wonder why your bike won't shift the way you wish, or why your chain keeps falling off? Our two-hour workshop will help you address these common problems the next time they happen to you or a friend! Topics covered will include, but are not limited to: basic bike adjustments, regular care technique and drivetrain cleaning. Our Bike Mechanic, Nikko, and Sustain SU Bike Library volunteers will help you learn the basics through demonstrations and a DIY experience.
While we only have the capacity to welcome six participants and their bikes into our workshop, we are more than happy if you want to bring a friend along to join you (they will just have to leave their bike at home). We do ask that your bike is only showing day-to-day wear. If you don't have a bike, you're more than welcome to bring one of our rental bikes with you. We hope to see you there!
Hosted by the Sustain SU’s Bike Library and Workshop
12–12:30 p.m.
Tour the Campus Food Bank's renovated space!
SDG Connection:
Location: SUB 1-81
The Campus Food Bank (CFB) is facing unprecedented demand. This year, it served as many clients in a week as it served in a month only a few years ago. In order to meet students’ needs, the CFB underwent an office renovation and reconfiguration to switch from serving hampers to welcoming clients into the space to shop for themselves like at a grocery store. The CFB is very excited to show off their new look to the campus community during SAW. See you in SUB 1-81!
Hosted by the Campus Food Bank
1:30–6 p.m.
SCORE! Day
SDG Connection:
Location: Augustana Forum
A pop-up swap!
A store where everything is free!
A community marketplace of reciprocity!
A redistribution of goods!
Alternative economics!
A party!!
SCORE! is all of the above and more. The concept behind SCORE! is that within a community there is enough for everyone, but it is not being distributed fairly. SCORE! aims to solve this problem by creating a space where goods are freely swapped , traded and shared. If you have more than enough, then you can give. If you don’t have enough, then you are free to take. SCORE! breaks down barriers between haves and have-nots, rich and poor. It allows for everyone to come and stand on equal footing, all while finding an awesome score!
A social phenomenon, SCORE! promotes sustainability by redistributing goods and diverting potential waste from landfills. It also promotes up-cycling and DIY projects that focus on becoming more sustainable. By creating a free marketplace, SCORE! rejects the mindset of endless growth, profit and the power of the almighty dollar, and instead focuses on small acts of reciprocity and good will.
On Wednesday Oct. 26, donations will be accepted from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. From one item to car loads, if you have more than you need you are welcome to donate to the swap. Volunteers will help with carrying, sorting and preparing the goods to be swapped the next day.
Hosted by the University of Alberta, Augustana Chaplaincy
6–7 p.m.
MISSION POSSIBLE: Transitioning cities to a plant-based food system
SDG Connection:
Location: Online [LINK HERE]
Data-driven, peer-reviewed science unequivocally states that animal-based agriculture is the No. 1 one threat to life on the planet. Without a rapid shift away from animal agriculture and animal-based diets, life in Canada will soon become unsustainable. Yet Canadian politicians are failing to target animal-based agriculture and animal-based diets in their climate mitigation strategies at any level of government. And most citizens feel powerless to affect legislative change. Join the Plant-Based Cities Movement to find out how you can effectively create change, and help your cities transition to a healthier and more climate-protective, plant-based food system.
Featuring
- Eleanor Carrara, Plant-Based Cities lead in Montréal, QC.
- Diane Smele, a climate and animal justice advocate and the Plant-Based Cities Movement Lead in Brampton, ON.
- Karry Eillers, Plant-Based Cities Movement Lead in North Vancouver, BC.
- Holly Moriarty, Plant-Based Cities Movement Lead in Calgary, AB.
- Karen Levenson, a communications strategist with the Healthy and Sustainable Food Systems Working Group and the Plant-Based Cities Movement Lead in Guelph, ON.
Hosted by the University of Alberta’s Department of Philosophy
7–8 p.m.
Pragmatic Political Power for Sustainability Advocates: A Primer
SDG Connection:
Location: Online [LINK HERE]
Join Stephen Best, a successful, experienced campaigner for environmental and animal protection in Canada, as he introduces some of the principles and concepts that help make advocacy more effective. This event will be especially helpful to advocates working for sustainability causes and people considering such advocacy.
Stephen Best's approach to advocacy is best characterized as “realpolitik.” His main campaign interests are environmental and animal protection, but he has also worked on Indigenous land claims for the Lubicon Legal Defense Fund, and social justice and development issues with the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund. His campaigns have contributed to bans on the importation of marine mammal products into the European Union; aided the establishment of the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary, the development of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, the cessation of terminal animal surgeries at the University of Guelph, the ban (now reversed by the Doug Ford government) on Ontario's spring bear hunt, and the abandonment of a project to develop a rock quarry in Ontario's Melancthon Township; and worked on successful election campaigns. Currently, Best is contributing to campaigns challenging the constitutionality of the first-past-the-post electoral system, passing legislation banning fur farms in Canada, challenging in court Ontario's Ag-Gag Law and raising funds for small animal protection organizations across Canada for the Animal Alliance of Canada's Project Jessie.
Best will present a candid discussion and engage in a Q&A session with the audience about the pragmatic principles of acquiring and applying power. He will illustrate the operation of these principles in real-world political campaigns for environmental and animal protection in Canada, and take questions about ongoing and potential upcoming campaigns.
Featuring Stephen Best, co-founder of the Animal Protection Party of Canada.
Hosted by the University of Alberta’s Department of Philosophy
1–4 p.m.
Bike Checks
SDG Connection:
Location: Main Quad
On Friday afternoon, Sustain SU's Bike Library and Workshop will be offering free Bike Checks on Main Quad! Come visit for a 10-15 minute check of your breaks, shifters, chain and more with our Bike Library volunteers – or stop by to learn more about accessing our space and services on campus to promote sustainable transport!
Hosted by the Sustain SU’s Bike Library and Workshop
3:30–4 p.m.
The Future of Sustainable Energy with Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars
SDG Connection:
Location: NRE 2-020
A short talk about how hydrogen gas can be the future of transportation and how a student-led group has incorporated it into a vehicle.
Featuring:
- Marina Aziz - 4th year Civil Engineering Student with a passion for safe and sustainable transportation
- Kristine Reid - 4th year Civil Engineering Student with a passion for developing a sustainable future in engineering
Hosted by the University of Alberta EcoCar Team
12–6 p.m.
Trick or TrEAT
SDG Connection:
Location: SUB 1-81
Trick or TrEAT is a fun way to celebrate Halloween and give back to the campus community. Friendly volunteers will be going door-to-door on October 29 from 1 to 5 p.m. in the neighbourhoods of Belgravia, Garneau, McKernan, Queen Alexandra, and Windsor Park. Please leave your food donations on your porch if you don’t want the volunteers to knock on your door. This event is family friendly, and costumes or U of A clothing are encouraged! Thank you for helping hungry students focus on their studies.
Hosted by the Campus Food Bank
Certificate in Sustainability Integrative Project Gallery
Link: Click Here
Check out what our Certificate in Sustainability students have been up to in this website feature! Through their integrative projects, our students have explored pressing topics in sustainability such as models for teaching social sustainability and impacts of permafrost thaw up north. Learn more about all of their projects on this page, or head over to our Instagram page to see the project posts and more!