New Geography students volunteer with Planet Too

On their second day at University, our new first year Geographers got stuck in and planted the Food For Thought allotment that has been developed as part of the Planet Too scheme. Planet Too (http://www.northamptonunion.com/planettoo/) is a student-led programme that is designed to change thinking and behaviours around sustainable development at the University.

The students took turns preparing the soil and planting trees and vegetables. After a couple of hours hard work we had changed a patch of bare ground into an allotment growing apples, plums, raspberries, runner beans, broccoli, leeks and lettuces! The allotment will be maintained by Planet Too volunteers over the course of the year.

Planting the Food for Thought allotment

Planet Too stall at Union Day

As well as doing the hard work outside, some members of the class took their places behind the Planet Too stall at the Union Day event. On Union Day representatives from sports teams and student societies provide information to students about the wide range of opportunities and activities they can get involved in alongside their studies. Our intrepid first years persuaded people to sign up for the Student Switch Off campaign, which encourages students to conserve energy in their homes, whether they reside in halls or in off-campus education.

PLANET TOO

Leo Cleverdon

The University of Northampton Students’ Union has developed PLANET TOO (P2), a student-led programme designed to transform thinking and behaviours around sustainable development and sustainable business ethics at the University of Northampton.

The aim of the project is to develop sustainability and create a long lasting legacy for all students at the University of Northampton. Being funded by the NUS Green fund; students have the opportunity to apply for grants that help to reduce the impact of their activities, such as hiring a minibus rather than using individual cars or the developing a student garden to promote edible growing on campus.

A key asset for the project is the creation of the Changemaker Society.  The Changemaker volunteers are pivotal in spreading the word of P2 and essential in delivering the different strands of the project. They have attended workshops and development seminars as well as photo shoots and other university events. These valued extra-curricular skills can be beneficial to your CV and desirable by future employers. The society members are friendly and committed individuals, with an aim is to enthuse others with the benefits of P2 and sustainability, as well as a lively social calendar.

Are you passionate about the environment? Would you like to make a difference? If so, why not get involved.

Contact simon.pole@northampton.ac.uk or leo.cleverdon@northampton.ac.uk.