You are part of the Sustainability Initiative, what are your responsibilities in this position?
I lead the Mobility and Bio-diversity Task Force. Each taskforce has a set of objectives, goals and actions that we work towards, which are revised and updated annually. I also participate in the 2050Today initiative, which aims to achieve Zero Net Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050.
What are some actions or achievements of the initiative?
Recently, we changed our Vegetarian Day to a monthly occurrence, which takes place on the second Wednesday of each month in the cafeteria. This initiative encourages healthier and more sustainable eating habits within our community.
We also brought in more recycling bins to improve our waste sorting efforts around the Institute. This step is crucial in our journey towards a more sustainable campus.
Another exciting initiative is our Bike to Work event, which runs from May to June and is open to everyone, including students. Last year was our first time participating, and we are aiming to make this one an even greater success. Additionally, in November last year, we hosted a bicycle awareness course to give people the confidence and knowledge to ride safely on the streets of Geneva.
One of our most significant achievements was drafting a comprehensive “Business Travel Research Report.” This report led to the Institute implementing a new travel policy last year that mandates train travel for journeys under seven hours. This policy change is a major step towards reducing our carbon footprint.
How is the community garden evolving?
This is our fifth season, and we have 50 participants from all areas of our community including five faculty members which we are really thrilled about.
The community garden is in partnership with the State of and the Rigot Refugee Centre. Not only are we growing our own food by sustainable methods such as composting, water conservation and organic farming but there is the cultural exchange and community building. This initiative also enhances both mental and physical well-being, which is an integral part of sustainability.
As a result of the initiative, a MINT student even wrote a thesis titled “A Space to Heal: Growing Resilience in Community Gardens”, which focused on the role and effects of community gardening on the health and wellbeing of migrant populations.
You presented Sustainability on two different occasions this year — can you tell us more?
Earlier this year, Green Earth Action Foundation, a Swiss based NGO, invited me to speak at a live webinar for their international audience on “How to achieve a sustainable lifestyle”. My presentation focused on embracing a sustainable lifestyle through setting challenges and taking small, simple actions that can make a significant difference in reducing our carbon footprint. I shared some actions that we have implemented at the Institute, that people can also apply at home or at their workplace, and I also touched on some of my own personal actions.
In March, Professor Liliana Andonova invited the GISA Environmental Committee, the Executive Director of 2050 today and me to her MINT course, Sustainability: Interdisciplinary Perspectives, Controversies, and Governance. I presented the Sustainability Initiative, the actions we have carried out on our various topics and our future plans.
Lastly, in your personal life, what is something that you try to be sustainable with?
I strive to avoid fast fashion. One year, I set myself a 365-day no clothes shopping challenge. People thought that it was impossible, but I achieved it. It made me more mindful about my consumption habits, and I learnt more about fast fashion. Now, I try to repair things or find another use for them before recycling. This challenge not only helped me reduce waste but also taught me to appreciate what I already have and to shop responsibly.
