Hey! It seems that you have stumbled across the first AUB Green Zine, bringing you info and artwork on all things green and sustainable! The AUBSU Green Team have been working really hard to put this together; but who are the Green Team?
Artwork: @tarimnarts Well, we’re a dedicated bunch of student environmentalists, who bring you the likes of swap shops, Go Green Week, tree planting and the many more exciting things you see on campus. This year we decided to put a zine together and in here you can expect jazzy illustrations, explanations of eco-labels, meat-free recipes and much, much more! Massive shout out to the Zine Society for their amazing contributions. And, of course, we had to make sure that we got this printed on 100% recycled paper. We hope you enjoy it! Lots of love, Hannah Dodds (your Green Officer) P.S. If you’re interested in making the world a little greener and want to find out more about how to get involved: pop into the AUBSU office, email us (green@aub.ac.uk) or find us on Facebook: facebook.com/aubsugreenteam
Page 1-2 Plastics (Content by Lucy Abbott) Page 3-4 Recycle Your Packets (Content by Imogen Ward) The Meat Industry (Content by Joe Mannion) Page 5-6 Ruby’s Easy, Creamy, Veggie Pasta Sauce (Content by Ruby Russell) Page 7-8 Palm Oil (Content by Rachel Kolb) Page 9-10 Artwork by Georgia Tunesi Page 11-12 Ethical Labels (Content by April Raffray) Page 13-14 Shopping Sustainably in Bournemouth (Content by Laura Kazmeier) Page 15-16 No to Fast Fashion (Content by Caitlin Powell) Page 17-18 Let’s Talk About Periods (Content by Laura Kazmeier) Page 19-22 Natural Body-Care Recipes (Content by Hannah Dodds) Page 23-24 Energy, Power & Your Carbon Footprint (Content by Emma Whiddington)
Artwork: Yacin Abbas
Plastics
Right now an estimated 12.7 million tonnes of plastic – everything from plastic bottles and bags to microbeads – end up in our oceans each year. Our oceans are slowly turning into a plastic soup and this is having a big impact on ocean life. Small changes make big impact Little things you can do to cut down on plastic: Every year billions of plastic toothbrushes are thrown away. These are difficult to recycle and many go into landfill or watercourses ultimately ending up the sea. Make the change to bamboo toothbrushes Stop using plastic straws. reusa Use a reusable produce bag when shopping. You could even create your own tote bag, which is great fun and your doing a great thing for the planet. A simple change of getting a resuable drinks bottle can have a big impact. Pack your lunch in reusable containers and bags. Also, opt for fresh fruits and veggies and bulk items.
Information taken from Greenpeaces Website, Bristle and Chilly.
Artwork: @soskstu 2
RECYCLE YOUR PACKETS!
COLLECT, DROP-OFF, FEEL GOOD! As a response to efforts from activists, Walkers has teamed up with terracycle to offer a new crisp packet recycling scheme. Since over 6 billion packets are purchased, per year, in the UK alone, removing them from landfill will make a HUGE difference. Whilst many people argue that the efforts of the general public are wasted in comparison to pollution caused by huge corporations, don’t let this be an excuse to not do your best, that crisp packet will end up in landfill or the ocean if you don’t! This scheme is a rare opportunity to hold a huge company accountable until they make their packaging sustainable (their goal by 2025). Don’t give them an excuse to stop, the will of the public shapes the actions of distributors! GET INVOLVED: To participate in the scheme, simply save all crisp packets, of any brand, and drop them off at over 9000 collection points. Simply go to www.walkers.co.uk/recycle to find your nearest location. Terracycle then collects them all up, shreds them and turns them into useful things like plant pots, benches and watering cans. What’s not to like! Make this your first step into a more sustainable future!
ANY F DO BRAN PS! CRIS
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Image taken from: www.walkers.co.uk/recycle Information taken from Walkers and terracycle.com
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Banning palm oil is not the solution, sustainable palm oil is Used in nearly half of supermarket products palm oil can be found in makeup, ready meals, detergents, pizza dough, biscuits, chocolate, margarine, soaps and many more everyday household items. Oil palm plantations cover more than 2.7 million hectares of the Earth’s surface. Human settlements and forests have been destroyed and replaced with "green deserts� that contain virtually no diversity on an area the size of New Zealand. Palm oil production continues to destroy habitats which in turn is threatening endangered species and is a massive contributor to climate change. Often there are cases of child labour where the palm plantation workers are exploited. So what is the solution? It would be very difficult to completely cut palm oil out of our diets, and in fact turning our backs on palm oil would actually make the problem far worse as the palm trees produce 4 to 10 times more oil per hectare than any other oil crop, by switching to a different oil alternative to eliminate palm oil completely could result in higher risks of deforestation. Smaller family run businesses rely on palm oil for their livelihoods and these more sustainable businesses are being recognised by larger companies. It’s a case of being a savvy shopper and to not boycott palm oil completely, and instead know your sustainable palm oil products such as Nutella, Jammie Dodgers, Hovis, Cadbury, Clover, Dolmio and many more, go and download the sustainable palm oil shopping list online for 100% RSPO certified sustainable palm oil brands https://www.actforwildlife.org.uk/getinvolved/take-conservation-action/take-the-sustainable-palmoil-challenge/shopping-list/
Avocado Leaf Photogram on Pearl Photographic Paper 2019
@verdesjordan 8
Ethical Labels Knowing what to buy and where to buy from can be really confusing. There’s so many labels and symbols attached to products with no proper explanation of what they are and the criteria they have to adhere to. We’ve done a little break down of some key labels that are used pretty often on food, clothing and other items. But don’t stop there! Check out what other labels mean for yourself and be vigilant! Lots of companies ‘green-wash’ and add labels that don’t really mean much in terms of sustainability and company ethics.
Artwork: @s_elliot_illu 9
Fairtrade is the certification label from products sourced in developing countries and works to support and empower workers. The label ensures that items have been produced by small-scale farms or organisations that protect worker’s rights, have a standard payment of the Fairtrade Minimum Price and make an additional payment, which goes into a communal fund for supporting farmers and workers.
The Organic Soil Association have standards for: farming and growing; food and drink; forestry, wood and paper; textiles; and health & beauty. The Soil Association is the UK's leading organic organisation and is an established charity. This label means that whatever you buy, be it clothes or food, is organic and takes account of the planet in its manufacture. The Marine Stewardship Council have three core principles that every fishery must meet to qualify for their label. First, they must only fish sustainably, ensuring that stock levels of that fish population remain sustainable and healthy. Second, they must fish in a way that does not cause damage to other species or habitats within the eco-system. Third, the fisheries must comply with relevant and changing laws.
Whilst Fairtrade focuses on the source of products, such as farms, the Fair Wear Foundation pays more attention to where products are manufactured in the clothing industry. They work to create fairer working conditions for manufacturing workers through crediting workers’ rights and fair pay. Therefore, you’d ideally want a piece of clothing that was Fairtrade AND Fair-Wear, but unfortunately this isn’t common.
The Rainforest Alliance works to support conservation of biodiversity. Their frog label indicates that products support effective planning and farm management systems that protect our natural resources, as well as local communities. Unlike Fairtrade, only 30% of a product needs to meet their standards. If this is the case, the certified product should be stated below the label.
FSC certification covers all aspects of forestry: from manufacturing to shelf. A FSC label means that the forest and/or supply chain is managed ethically and responsibly. As well as covering the forests, standards also cover local communities, workers’ payment and habitats of endangered plant and animal species. 10
Artwork: @georgia.tunesi 11
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Shopping Sustainably in Bournemouth
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Don’t forget to check out what other AUB students are producing, as we have lots of handmade and recycled items being made right on our doorstep...
Handmade spoons carved with a variety of hand tools from salvaged Dorset wood, oiled with a blend of beeswax and linseed oil. Passed on by a local tree surgeon, varieties include silver birch, apple, cherry and elm. Instagram: @Danaetsako
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Artwork: @alicecatteau
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The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries, generating tons of waste and requiring high amounts of energy and resources to create clothing. For example, it can take up to 1,800 gallons of water to make one pair of jeans. The fashion industry is also guilty of other environmental and ethical issues, including animal cruelty, child labour and the exploitation of workers and environmental degradation.
In October 2017, it was reported that a 14-year-old girl died trying to reach her monthly work bonus. At the same time fast fashion companies such as Topshop and ASOS start selling “feminist” t-shirts. The effects of fast fashion disproportionately affect women in developing countries, as 80% of garment workers are women. We need to ensure that our actions reflect our principles!
It’s simple, don’t buy into the fast-fashion industry! Here’s how: Check company values! Do they pay fairly and use organic textiles?
Reuse and recycle - vintage fairs, charity shops and swaps shops are all great place to get used clothes
Upcycle - you can add your own twist to clothing by doing really simple things like tie dye, fabric painting, adding transfers and getting creative 16
Lets talk about Periods
Reusable Pads Organic Cotton Pads and Tampons † � � €   ‡ … ˆ …
Period Pants Â
� �  € ‚ƒ„ … …
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The Menstrual Cup
 � � � � �
Artwork: @ru_swatkins 18
It doesn’t have to cost a fortune and harm the earth to have great glowing skin! You can make some amazing body care recipes on the cheap, using natural ingredients that look, feel and smell divine. Most high-street retailers and brands of skin care contain harmful chemicals, toxic ingredients (aaah!) and more! So why not try making your own products where you can be sure everything is natural... Artwork: @bonesillustration 19
Don’t be scared by the names of ingredients! This is a natural toothpaste, and you can find the ingredients online. Try zero-waste-club.com, or look in your local health stores! Ingredients: • 4 tbsp baking soda (Alkaline, Non-toxic, low abrasion) • 4 tbsp bentonite clay (neutralises acidity and mineral rich) • 4 tbsp Xylitol (reduces bacteria and adds sweetness) • Approx. 25 drops of peppermint essential oil (minty fresh feeling, optional • 2/3 tbsp water (create the paste effect)
• Stir all dry ingredients with a wooden spoon (don’t use metal utensils) • Add the water • Add the peppermint essential oil (if desired) • Add more or less water depending on how thick you want the paste • Brush teeth, plastic free! (You can also buy tooth paste tablets online or from zero-waste stores!)
Great and natural 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner for students on the go! Add some tea to add colouring effects: black tea to darken, rooibos tea for reds and chamomile to lighten fair hair Ingredients: • 1 Peeled cucumber (soothing and softening) • 1 peeled & deseeded lemon (cleansing) • Put the lemon and cucumber in a blender and blend until smooth • It’s really that easy!
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This body butter is amazing for sensitive/oily/acne prone skin as coconut oil might not be the best for you! Ingredients: • 8 tbsp shea butter • 2tbsp avocado, apricot, jojoba or almond oil (super nourishing oils) • 15 drops of lavender essential oil (calming, soothing and balancing) • 10 drops of rosemary essential oil (soothing and calming)
• Melt the shea butter in a saucepan on low heat • Add 2 tbsp nourishing oil and mix • Chill in freezer for 15-20 mins (until solid but not TOO hard) • Add essential oils and whisk until soft and buttery • Store at room temperature... and feel super soft!
This is a great face scrub to brighten and moisturise the skin, great for all skin types and lasts for up to 2 months! Ingredients: • 1 fresh lemon (antibacterial, cleansing and uplifting) • Refined sugar (exfoliating) • Brown sugar (exfoliating) • Olive oil (moisturising and protecting)
• Juice the lemon • Mix all the ingredients well in a bowl • Choose quantities to your preference (I.e. more sugar, more scrub!) • Use scrub 2 to 3 times a week
If you’re unsure how safe and sustainable your products are you can download the ThinkDirty app on iPhones and Android OR even better, make your own with more recipes like these! 21
Artwork: @cerysevansillustration 22
ENERGY AND POWER: HOW DO WE TAKE BACK CONTROL? For thousands of years crude oil was used practically; for building, waterproofing of boats and embalming. It wasn’t until the invention of the kerosene lamp that petroleum (crude oil) came into huge demand. Now, crude oil is distilled by the millions of gallons globally and used for hundreds if not thousands of different uses – everything from plastic bags, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and petrol. When crude oil is burnt for energy, it releases complex hydrocarbons into the atmosphere that are strongly linked to the global warming.
How does this affect me?
So…what’s so bad about crude oil?
What does the future hold for the oil industry?
Simply: carbon and greenhouse emissions; this is the number one most pressing environmental issue, next to habitat-loss. But regardless of its obvious positive practical implications, the negatives are far more complicated than just natural habitat. There are also various human right, political and moral issues to address. Often oil rigs and land rigs are placed in impoverished areas of the world and the locals are often heavily affected by the consequences of such a large scale quest for energy; oil spills, earthquakes, loss of natural habitats and species. Oil companies often have strong ties to government and there is often corporate interest involved in making policies to favour these industries for economic reasons.
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Carbon and greenhouse emissions affect everyone and everything: the air you breathe, the soil we grow our food in and sensitive habitats, such as Antarctica. We are potentially grieving the loss of a world that is so tremendously beautiful. As a human race, we are feeling and thinking animals that are conscious on levels we still don’t quite understand yet. It’s about time that we use that consciousness to help the earth that has sustained us for thousands of years.
We now have an opportunity to completely change the way human’s live from the earth. The harnessing of natural resources, that are renewable, carbon neutral or sustainable is a much more environmentally favourable way to live. It creates jobs, clean air and opportunities for innovation. As the scientific community starts to ramp up its efforts to address climate change, we are seeing a significant expansion of market and economic opportunities to further the green energy revolution. Wind power, solar energy, geothermal energy, hydropower, bio-energy and various other forms of renewable energies are starting to become more accessible, affordable and wide spread. The shift to eco-conscious energy is happening before our very eyes.
TAKING STEPS TOWARDS REDUCING YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT Lots of different things affect our individual carbon footprints: general energy-use (that’s things like heating and electricity), what food you eat (it’s estimated that eating a four-ounce steak is equivalent to driving nearly seven miles) and how we choose to travel. Here are some simple swaps you can make to reduce your personal carbon dioxide (CO2) output: • Switch to LED lightbulbs (they’re more energy efficient) • Think consciously about your travel - opt for cycling, walking, public transport or car-shares • Commit to meat-free Mondays (or whatever day of the week suits...) • Unplug your electronic devices (it’s easy to save the energy you aren’t even using)
Artwork: @vaguely_charming
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Created by AUBSU Green Team Cover design by @joemannionart aubsu.co.uk/green
Back cover artwork: Yacin Abbas This zine is printed on 100% recycled paper