Sustainability in Practice

Ilia Iaonnidi is Head of Communications for the LSESU Sustainable Futures Society. In this article, she outlines the importance of a proactive approach to sustainability as the world responds to the COVID-19 pandemic, and introduces some exciting initiatives that the Sustainable Futures Society is leading on.

As you have probably heard before, COVID-19 is often referred to as a dress rehearsal for climate change. Indeed, amongst other things, they are both pandemics, posing a global threat, and demanding a global response. They are also not unrelated. The cities that have been worst affected by the virus have also been worst affected by air pollution. In this highly unsustainable situation we currently find ourselves in, environmental action is needed more than ever. It is with this urgency that the Sustainable Futures Society (SFS) was founded at the LSESU. As a leading university, we believe that we have a responsibility to be leaders in environmental sustainability – students and staff alike. We also believe that a collaborative response is needed – between different LSESU societies, students and staff, the LSESU and the LSE, and the university and external bodies. This is what our society has sought to do in the past, and what it will seek to do now more than ever before, through a fresh array of sustainabilityrelated events. These will include talks with leaders in sustainability, environmentally-focused seminars, fundraising challenges, hands-on action, green policy contributions, and last but not least, the Sustainable Projects Fund (SPF).

From the start, we have had a close relationship with the Estates Department, jointly facilitating the SPF. We are proud to say that, every year, we offer up to £20,000 in funds to both student-led and staffled projects that enhance sustainability at the LSE. Throughout the years, we have funded a plethora of innovative projects. One of these was the KeepCup initiative, which has been incredibly successful in reducing disposable cup usage within LSE catering. Another notable project was the Marine Society’s sailing expedition, which investigated the terrible plastic pollution in UK waters. And just this year, the Enactus Society launched a project called ‘Vita Nova’ to transform old clothing into useful tote bags. Our ambition for the academic year of 2020-2021, as well as for years to come, is that our society and the SPF truly work toward implementing the Sustainability Goals outlined in LSE’s Sustainability Strategy, ‘LSE 2030’. We invite you all to join us in doing just that! Whether you want to apply for funding for your sustainable project ideas, or get involved in our society, you are most welcome! We offer exciting opportunities that include, but are not limited to, managing a series of podcasts, planning sustainable events, and creating connections with sustainable employers. If you are interested, just contact us through one of our social media accounts, and we will respond as swiftly as possible!

Our Socials: www.sustainablefuturessocietylse.com E: s.futures@lsesu.org

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