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Taking One Step Towards a Just and Sustainable Future.

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Taking One Step Towards a Just and Sustainable Future.

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I Prudence Essambo, hereby take one step towards creating a more sustainable, just, and inclusive world.

As a Global Studies student with a strong interest in governance, diplomacy, and international development, I recognise that meaningful global change begins with individual responsibility and consistent action. I believe that the values we promote at a global level must first be reflected in our everyday choices and behaviours.

My pledge is to actively promote awareness and understanding of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to climate action, responsible consumption, and reduced inequalities. I will take initiative by starting meaningful conversations within my community, sharing knowledge, and encouraging others to reflect on the world we want to live in and the role we each play in shaping it.

Over the coming months, I commit to reducing my personal environmental impact by choosing reusable and sustainable products, minimising waste, and supporting ethical and environmentally responsible brands. In addition, I will engage in at least one intentional conversation each week with peers, family members, or my wider community about global challenges and practical solutions. I will also dedicate time to volunteering or supporting initiatives that contribute to social and environmental wellbeing.

Through this pledge, I aim to bridge the gap between global policy and everyday life. As an aspiring leader in governance and diplomacy, I understand that leadership is not only exercised in formal institutions, but also through small, consistent actions that influence and inspire others.

This is my commitment to becoming a responsible global citizen and contributing to a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

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Almost every restaurant provides plastic packing or paper packaging with plastic lining for people to serve food or bring back leftovers. This is a concern as the packaging is plastic leading to the creation of micro and nanoplastic, especially if the food is hot. Secondly, most people don't reuse the plastic packaging and most people would just throw it which environmentally detrimental as the plastic would not degrade but just break up into smaller pieces. Lastly, the paper packaging can't be recycled due to lack of technology to separate the lining from the paper and in the landfill the lining would not degrade as it is plastic.

I pledge to bring my own food, bring my own container when I go out so if I can't finish my food I can just put it in my container and to dine in more often. In addition to that, I would talk and encourage my friends to bring their own containers as well.

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Pledge:

I, Kenneth, hereby commit to promoting equality in sustainability by organising and facilitating a minimum of two knowledge-sharing sessions within this semester. These sessions will focus on raising awareness about sustainable living, climate justice, and inclusive environmental practices among my peers, colleagues, and community members.

Rationale:

The resolution of climate and environmental challenges necessitates a collective understanding among all stakeholders. It is essential that access to knowledge about sustainability is equitable, inclusive, and empowering for everyone, rather than being a privilege reserved for a select few.

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Upcycling Used Cooking Oil into Sustainable Products

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Upcycling Used Cooking Oil into Sustainable Products

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Used cooking oil from home is often thrown out the wrong way, like being poured down the sink or chucked in the general rubbish bin. These habits cause serious environmental harm, including polluting waterways and damaging the soil, and they can also threaten local wildlife. On top of the pollution, this valuable resource goes to waste when it’s not collected or reused. Although household amounts are smaller than commercial ones, individual actions are the building blocks for wider sustainable practices. Without proper handling, the chance to turn this waste into useful products is missed.

By actively collecting used cooking oil from my household and upcycling it into eco-friendly products like candles and soaps, I can keep waste out of harmful disposal paths. This supports sustainable consumption by encouraging the reuse of resources and raising awareness about environmental responsibility within my family. Making practical, useful items from waste encourages a circular economy mindset, where materials are valued and continually repurposed instead of tossed away.

My Pledge:
I commit to regularly collecting and processing used cooking oil from my family’s kitchen, turning it into sustainable products. I will involve my family in understanding the environmental impacts of waste and the benefits of using renewable resources. Through this project, I aim to encourage behavioural change towards mindful consumption and waste reduction at home.

Future Plan:
Building on this, I plan to expand the initiative by working with food vendors on Monash University campuses to set up a larger, organised collection system for used cooking oil. There’s potential to collaborate with the university’s chemistry laboratory to convert the collected oil into biodiesel, a renewable and cleaner energy source. This expanded effort will directly support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by promoting renewable energy use, and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by encouraging sustainable production and reducing waste on a larger scale.

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Promote Effective and Fun-filled Sustainable Development Education in Monash campus and the community 

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Promote Effective and Fun-filled Sustainable Development Education in Monash campus and the community 

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Nowadays, we often hear the word sustainable development, but how many people really understand its meaning and practice sustainable development in their daily lives and even in the workplace? As an international educational institution, what kind of positive role can Monash play in promoting sustainable development?

As an international student with advertising background and a passion for promoting sustainable development, I hope to promote sustainable development and advocate better communication and design of feasible policies so that many ideas can be implemented in life habits and work ethics instead of just slogans.

Research shows that many people mistakenly discard plastics into food waste, forcing food waste has to be thrown into landfills. As a creative writer, who has won 19 creative awards, I pledge to make a change by promote effective and fun-filled "sustainable development education" on campus and in the community, especially in the restaurants, such as how to segregate garbage correctly, recycling soft plastics and reduce food wastage.

Many international students do not understand how waste is sorted in Australia. These students will live in Australia for several years, and some of them will return to their own countries one day. As an international institution, Monash should provide students with the knowledge of correct waste sorting to lay an important foundation for sustainable development, so that they support Australia in waste management, and will bring these valuable knowledge to their home countries.

I pledge to spend at least 6 hours a week to implement sustainable development because this is one of the main purposes I study in Monash. My efforts include learning and implementing it in my daily life, promoting it among my housemates who are also international students, promoting it in the restaurant where I work, and volunteering at the NGO OzHarvest to learn about food rescue.

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My least favourite time to work my hospo job was closing. It’s a crazy rush around - juggling endless cleaning and customer service. It’s also the most wasteful time of day. Cakes and sandwiches that have been on display must go, even if they are perfectly edible, because the cafe must maintain their pledge to fresh food daily.

I couldn’t help but feel disappointed, knowing people in the local community who experience food insecurity, and that much of our food waste contributes to climate change.

After leaving this job, I discovered an app that I believe can help solve this problem - ‘Too Good to Go’. It works with restaurants, cafes, supermarkets and more to give people the opportunity to purchase a wide variety of food at a lower price, as an alternative to simply throwing it away.

Over the last few months I have pledged to integrate Too Good to Go into my family’s weekly food shop. This has not only reduced the amount of food going to waste, but it has also reduced the cost of our groceries, all while allowing us to keep putting good food on the table.

I have told almost everyone I know about it, including friends, family and co-workers. However, there is still a long way to go with the app in Melbourne. With only a few cafes and restaurants participating, the items can sell out within minutes.

I pledge to not only continue incorporating Too Good to Go foods into my diet, but also to invite more of my favourite cafes and restaurants to take part in the movement.

Taking these steps to incorporate, educate and invite may not solve world hunger or climate change, but they might just help to encourage more people to think about the impact of their food choices.

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“One Vegetarian Meal at a Time: My Step Towards a Greener Planet 🌱”

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“One Vegetarian Meal at a Time: My Step Towards a Greener Planet 🌱”

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I pledge to continue living a vegetarian lifestyle — but now with greater intention and awareness of its environmental impact. For the next 30 days, I’ll take time to learn more about how plant-based diets reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water, and support sustainable food systems.

As part of this pledge, I’ll:

Track the environmental benefits of my meals using online footprint tools

Share simple vegetarian meal ideas with friends in my residential hall

Encourage at least 2 people around me to try going meat-free one day a week

Reduce packaged and processed vegetarian food to focus on fresh, local ingredients

This quiet but conscious step reflects my belief that sustainability isn’t just about big gestures — it’s in our daily choices. Through small conversations, food sharing, and curiosity, I hope to help others see how simple, delicious, and climate-friendly vegetarian living can be.

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Morr (Woi-wurrung language) or Prickly currant bush, an edible intricate shrub with sweet orange berries. 

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It is evident that colonialism and climate change are inextricably linked. Across Victoria, invasive species pose significant challenges to our ecosystems, agriculture, and Indigenous cultural heritage.

Gazania (Gazania spp.) - an example of an invasive species from South Africa - are ornamental plants that have been outcompeting native flora, especially in costal dune and agricultural field environments. They are difficult to control with standard herbicides, and if left to propagate, they could cause significant ecosystem shifts over time.

As a settler studying and working on unceded lands of the Boon-Wurrung and Woi-Wurrung Peoples of the Kulin Nation, I pledge to deepen my connection to Country by combatting the impact of invasive species, and championing Traditional Indigenous knowledge systems.

My action is to dedicate time at least 2-3 hours a fortnight to connect with an Indigenous-run program such as Victorian Indigenous Nurseries Cooperative (VINC), which have an active volunteer group assisting with native plant propagation.

I have three main aims:

To make a tangible impact in physically replacing invasives with the rightful Indigenous Flora,

To spread awareness to my circle and community on the issue, encouraging others to join and to pressure developers into boycott invasive species in landscaping management,

To connect with Indigenous communities in Naarm and build a relationship based on truth-telling and reciprocity.

Which SDG goals am I aligning with?

SDG 15 – Life on Land

Target 15.5: Reduce degradation of natural habitats and halt loss of biodiversity.

Target 15.8: Prevent introduction and reduce impact of invasive alien species.

SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

Target 11.4: Protect the world’s cultural and natural heritage, including Indigenous knowledge and Country.

SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals

Target 17.16: Enhance partnerships that mobilise and share knowledge, expertise and resources.

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Melbourne facing hottest spell in 11 years. Source: DTN

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Fighting Fire, Heat and Haze – One Step at a Time

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Fighting Fire, Heat and Haze – One Step at a Time

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This past summer was officially the second hottest on record, and the start of 2025 has been alarmingly warm, with what should feel like autumn instead resembling a relentless extension of summer.

Major cities like Melbourne are enduring record-breaking dry spells, and experts are now warning of bushfire risks even during winter—a season that used to bring relief. Regions around Melbourne and Adelaide are already facing unusual fire danger during this time of year

These aren’t just unusual weather patterns. They’re signs of a climate in crisis.

I’ve seen what happens when we wait too long to act. I come from Hanoi, a city now known as one of the most polluted in the world. The link between climate change and worsening air pollution is real.

Breathing becomes harder. Life becomes riskier. I don’t want to see that happen here in Australia.

That’s why I’m taking a step.

My Climate Pledge:

(Supporting Sustainable Development Goal 13 – Climate Action)

Sustainable Travel

I will walk, cycle, or use public transport as much as I can instead of driving. Fewer cars on the road means fewer emissions and cleaner air.

Save Energy and Water

I’ll switch off lights, reduce heating and cooling, and use water wisely—especially during dry spells.

Support Local Sustainability Projects:

From community gardens to reforestation and renewable energy initiatives, I will engage with and support local climate action projects across Australia that directly contribute to cleaner air and reduced carbon emissions.

Slow down consumerism and step away from fast fashion

I will break up with fast fashion by choosing to thrift, swap, or repair my clothes instead of buying new ones. I’ll focus on consuming less, valuing quality over quantity, and making mindful choices that support a more sustainable lifestyle.

Eat climate-smart

I pledge to reduce my meat and dairy consumption, and choose more plant-based, seasonal, and locally grown foods to lower my carbon footprint.

Every small choice matters. We still have time to act.

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My pledge focuses on sustaining accurate information. In a world of misinformation, I aim to utilise my understanding and communication skills in international relations to educate my communities about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through these small steps, I hope my efforts will snowball into a strong understanding of key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that will inspire support for positive change.

Across Australia, many people lack an understanding of the 2030 Agenda's purpose. An Ipsos survey found that only 51% of Australians were aware of the SDGs, while 16% claimed familiarity with them. When 84% of Australians lack familiarity with the nature of the SDGs, it obstructs public support as well as the pressure on our elected leaders to fulfil these targets. Furthermore, this allows misinformation to distort people's perspectives and delegitimise the agenda.

To lead by example, I will take small steps daily. `As a university-educated citizen of the world and Australia, I am compelled to share this knowledge. I will target members of my community, stretching from my university peers to my family. Every new person who learns about the benefits of the SDGs is one step forward towards a more sustainable future and a victory over apathy.

Capitalising on my expertise in global studies, I aim to focus on educating people on two specific goals.

SDG 13,due to its polarised nature and critical importance to the well-being of future people, the environment and our societies.

SDG 16, because understanding our power as citizens within domestic and international institutions is the best way to mobilise positive social change.

Through my pledge to teach about SDG 13 and SDG 16, I will combat misinformation and champion factual information on the SDGs to drive the necessary change to achieve these goals within my community.

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Sustainability is a Story: Inclusivity and Circular Economy Through Books

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Sustainability is a Story: Inclusivity and Circular Economy Through Books

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How do cultures remain intact, evolve, and still stay rooted across generations? The answer is sustainability. How do we ensure that our stories (each unique, diverse, and significant) outlive their storytellers? Again, sustainability.

Stories sustain us. They pass down wisdom, preserve identity, and spark change. But not all stories get told, and not all readers can afford to listen. Which is a shame! One book can spark thousands of new perspectives without the need of printing another page.

Today, books cost as much as a full meal. For many students, especially those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the books that reflect their lived experiences are often the ones hardest to find and afford! At the same time, the publishing industry leaves a hefty carbon footprint, while perfectly readable secondhand books gather dust when really, it should be part of the wider circular economy.

As a passionate reader of diverse authors, I’ve long dreamed of having my own library. A space that holds the voices of many cultures, identities, and truths, reflective of ideas I’ve learn and lived over the years. But what if we made that dream communal?

I pledge to create “Shared Voices” shelves across Monash, where students can take, leave, and exchange books of any kind but, particularly those that amplify marginalised voices and explore themes like climate justice, cultural identity, and social equity.

This small act does three big things: Reduces waste through circular sharing, Breaks down barriers to diverse and inclusive education and Ignites empathy by platforming stories that challenge, comfort, and connect in line with SDGs 10, 12 and 13.

Caring for the planet and caring for people are not separate goals. I believe they’re one story, told from many angles. Let’s let stories sustain the planet, and effectively, ourselves, starting at Monash.

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To deal with and reverse biodiversity loss in Australia, I pledge to take steps in aiding conservation policies, which would be directly moving us towards meeting Sustainable Goal 15.

The threats to indigenous wildlife vary in severity and how we can individually tackle them. Even though most of us, as individuals, cannot do much about threats such as climate change and plague, something all of us can do is foster the growth of indigenous wildlife around them!

The first step to this is observing the greenspaces around me, identifying any weeds or invasive species, and safely removing them! Getting rid of such plants would leave nutrients for the indigenous plants of the region to grow and flourish! Even if they’re not present, indigenous plants would be planted as a part of step two. This step would also then support indigenous fauna who’ve evolved to live off of these plants, and be a significant step forward in recovering biodiversity loss around me!

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AI-Aware: Building a Clear Path to Sustainable AI at Monash

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AI-Aware: Building a Clear Path to Sustainable AI at Monash

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I pledge to address the hidden environmental costs of artificial intelligence by empowering Monash students to adopt mindful AI practices. While the university has established AI frameworks and strategies that recognise the importance of responsible and ethical AI use, I have yet to see these principles translated into widespread, actionable student-level adoption of sustainable AI habits. Monash’s current guidelines provide a strong foundation, but there remains ambiguity when it comes to specific, practical steps for students to reduce their AI-related carbon footprint.

Training large AI models like GPT-3 can emit over 500 metric tonnes of CO₂, and even a single AI query has a measurable climate impact. My mission supports SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption) by bridging the gap between Monash’s strategic vision and the everyday actions of its students.

Implementation Strategy:

Awareness & Education:
I will organise engaging “AI and Sustainability” events in partnership with Monash Business School and MSDI. These sessions will clarify Monash’s AI strategy and demonstrate how students can contribute to a more sustainable digital future. Expert speakers, case studies, and interactive activities will make the connection between policy and practice.

Behavioural Change Campaigns:
I will lead peer-to-peer campaigns that encourage students and faculty to adopt sustainable digital habits. This includes using AI tools only when necessary, selecting energy-efficient platforms, and sharing best practices. Social media, newsletters, and student networks will be used to maximise reach and engagement.

Policy & Influence:
Working with student councils and university administration, I will advocate for clear, actionable guidelines that specifically relate AI use to sustainability. My goal is to help Monash move from strategic intent to structured, student-led action, setting benchmarks for responsible AI use that future business leaders can follow.

Personal Commitment:
I commit to modelling sustainable AI use in my own studies and extracurricular activities, and to inspiring others through leadership and example.

Together, we can ensure Monash not only leads in AI strategy but also in student-led, sustainable AI action—where every decision considers both people and the planet.

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As we proceed towards a world which consumes products ever increasingly, it often makes us oblivious to the fact that eventually our

resources are limited and despite our best intentions, we burn through nature’s abundance without any introspection. And here’s where a breakthrough need’s to be made, where every citizen’s self-realized contribution through personalized actions can contribute to an exponential development in creating a sustainable consumer society. Hence I pledge to reinvigorate the sense of individualistic movement towards sustainability around me by educating and enabling people through my double pronged strategy of redirection and redistribution.

Redirection :Propagating basic sustainability ideas to be integrated into our daily lives lies at the core of the initiative. I intend to do this by presenting regular blogs about local techniques and factoids on social platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram every week, as well as publishing regular interactions with individuals who have been SDG leaders, contributing to the society, as a point of motivation. Alongside,as a point of self-reflection, I will conduct regular localized surveys to present analyzed comparative outputs on general resource consumption among the community.

Redistribution: To assist in conscious utilization of personal resources as well as equalized distribution of supplies among citizens, I would organize events for barter, trade and give away of utilities such as a clothes, appliances and local items to promote recycling as well as sustainable usage, preventing wasteful hoarding as well as creating proper optimization of a product. I also intend to create a public exchange platform to initiate local lending and renting, which would lessen excessive buying and promote looped communal product usage, prospering the local economy with minimum resource waste.

By reducing information asymmetry and enabling local usage, individual insights are sharpened, contributing to eventual SDG goals of SDG 10, SDG 11 and SDG 12.

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I vow to foster sustainable water management by promoting nature-based, low-cost technologies that treat wastewater and minimize environmental pollution. Conventional wastewater treatment typically involves costly infrastructure, which is unaffordable to many communities. By championing phytoremediation—a method that utilizes plants such as corn to naturally extract contaminants—I hope to bring attention to a low-cost, high-impact alternative that is good for the environment and local farmers.

Not only is the water quality improved, but circular agriculture is also supported when the treated plants are safely reused as animal feed, minimizing waste and enhancing food systems. By spreading knowledge and enabling information on this new solution to be accessed, I aim to inspire people and communities to reconsider wastewater management through uncomplicated, available means.

In the coming months, I will interact with student and community organizations through workshops & social media to create awareness of the advantages and viability of phytoremediation. This action is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and Goal 15 (Life on Land).

I do think that small, educated steps can make a huge difference on the planet. By taking this action, I pledge to promote sustainable living, creative problem-solving, and grassroots action to help create a healthier world for present and future generations.

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Decode Your Dinner - Demystifying Food Labels for Sustainable Choices

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Decode Your Dinner - Demystifying Food Labels for Sustainable Choices

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As an international student studying in Melbourne, grocery runs to Coles and Woolies are a regular part of my week. Over time, I began noticing labels on food packaging that sounded promising - “carbon neutral,” “locally sourced,” “ethically farmed,” “certified organic” - but often left me wondering what they actually meant. Were these just clever marketing tactics, or did they represent real, measurable sustainability efforts?

That curiosity sparked the idea for “Decode Your Dinner”, a weekly awareness series I plan to launch on Instagram. The aim is simple: to help students, especially other expats like me, navigate the maze of green labels we encounter every day. I’ll record short Reels, breaking down these claims, explaining their legitimacy, and linking them to real-world supply chain practices - like ethical sourcing, carbon emissions, certifications, and food miles.

I’ll also suggest easy, affordable swaps for those looking to make more conscious choices without stretching their student budgets. Over time, I hope to build a small community of label-literate, sustainability-savvy shoppers.

This pledge aligns with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 13: Climate Action. I believe change doesn’t always start in boardrooms - it can begin in your basket.

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Green Steps: Pledging for a Plastic-Free Future

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Green Steps: Pledging for a Plastic-Free Future

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As part of the Take One Step initiative, I pledge to reduce my plastic waste. This is an essential step towards achieving a more sustainable future. By incorporating environmentally conscious habits, such as eliminating the consumption of single-use plastics and instead opting for reusable alternatives, I can help contribute to the reduction of pollution harming our ecosystems.

This action aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:

·       Goal 12 – Ensure Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns

·       Goal 14 – Conserve and Sustainably Use the Oceans, Seas and Marine Resources

Did you know that over 17 million metric tons of plastic was found in the ocean in 2021? Did you know that this figure is set to double or triple by 2040 if action is not taken? Did you know that 89% of plastic litter found on the ocean floor was single-use plastic items like plastic bags?

By adopting and spreading this pledge it will help to reduce marine pollution. This is important as the ocean regulates the global climate system and is the world’s largest ecosystem.

With the ever-growing human population, we will eventually run out of resources. By reducing single-use plastics and instead using reusable items, this will help sustain the livelihoods of current and future generations.

I will aim to buy from local sources and choose sustainable options with lower environmental impacts where possible. I will aim to use products that promote longevity, repairability and recyclability and only consume what I need. For example, I will use reusable bags and drink bottles and avoid plastic straws. I will recycle what I can to minimise waste and resource depletion.

I believe that by reducing my use of single-use plastics I can help create a more sustainable world.

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This coming semester, I pledge not to drive to work, university or locations I can reach on my train line. Instead, I can take public transport, walk, or cycle, and thus promote the type of sustainable living which I would like to see more of. This goal is related to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities as well as SDG 13: Climate Action.

Building sustainable cities is something that resonates strongly with me. I live in the suburbs- so every day I see a huge number of cars travelling on roads around me to get from one destination to another. This highlights how reliant we are on private vehicles in our everyday lives, for journeys both large and small. Moreover, the emissions produced by these vehicles imposes a huge cost on our climate. I am inspired by cities opting to go car-free, and would like to see Melbourne work towards this as well.

I believe change starts with the individual and acting in line with what you believe in. By challenging myself to opt out of driving on days where it is a little more inconvenient to do so than normal (for example- if there is bad weather), I can become more adept with public transport routes and more accustomed to taking time out of my day to plan sustainable journeys. While small, this will have a positive impact on the climate by reducing emissions. Furthermore, I can use this experience as a way to initiate conversations with others about living sustainably and inspire others to make similar changes in their own lives.

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Restoring Roots: Land, Language & Food Justice

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Restoring Roots: Land, Language & Food Justice

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I pledge to initiate a collaborative food innovation project rooted in equity, respect, and systems change - working alongside underrepresented communities who have long been excluded from sustainability narratives.

In Australia, over 3.7 million people face food insecurity - yet vast knowledge of land stewardship and seasonal food systems remains undervalued and unsupported. In many regional and low-income areas, fresh produce is up to 35% more expensive, while dietary-related disease rates remain alarmingly high. Simultaneously, an estimated 7.6 million tonnes of food are wasted annually — enough to fill the MCG ten times.

This contradiction is not just unsustainable - it’s unjust.

Through this pledge, I commit to co-designing a campus-based initiative in Melbourne that channels institutional support (research, networks, procurement) toward small-scale, land-connected growers and food entrepreneurs from underserved backgrounds. The goal: build a transparent food-sourcing model that honours lived knowledge, builds economic dignity, and reconnects urban systems to cultural and ecological roots.

This action supports SDGs 2 (Zero Hunger), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), 12 (Responsible Consumption), 11 (Sustainable Cities), 8 (Decent Work), and 13 (Climate Action) — not by creating new tools, but by restoring access, dignity, and visibility where it’s long been denied.

This is not about “giving voice” - it’s about building space.
Because sustainability without justice is performance.
And innovation without inclusion is repetition.

My step is to walk beside those whose wisdom is often left out - and whose future must be included if ours is to endure.

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As someone deeply passionate about sustainability and eager to learn more, I have observed that a lot of people around me and some of my peers that small eco-actions, like reusing containers or sorting trash-doesn't matter.

For my “Take One Step” pledge, I commit to engaging three such people in meaningful conversations. Through ever day logic and relatable stories, I seek to gently change their thinking and sow seeds of knowledge and awareness.

I’ll document the outcomes in a “micro-change journal,” noticing what persists, what changes and how people engage with idea that small actions build-up. I plant to turn these reflections into a visual to share with others and inspire similar discussions.

This aligns with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), but more significantly, it reflects my conviction that shifting mindsets is a critical first step towards real change.

I call this “The 3 Conversations Challenge”, a very first step towards sparking more extensive introspection amongst our Monash community.

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As a Cultural and creative industries student, I pledge to promote a sustainable and inclusive model of cultural production, starting with three concrete actions that bridge the campus, creative communities, and the wider industry.

The cultural and creative industries today are locked in a cycle of rapid production, high consumption, and fast obsolescence. From plastic-based collectibles and seasonal fashion lines to large-scale exhibitions and media productions, enormous resources are consumed every year, yet few systems exist to support circularity or long-term reuse. This not only leads to unsustainable environmental impacts, but also reinforces a mindset of disposable creativity.

At the same time, cultural industries are among the most powerful forces shaping narratives about equality, diversity, and social change. They should also be leaders in sustainability, especially in addressing key global goals such as:

🌍 SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production

🌱 SDG 13: Climate action

🤝 SDG 10: Reduced inequalities

To take my first step, I will:

1. Launch the “Re-Make Culture” initiative
A creative reuse program on campus that encourages students to create works using recycled materials, open-source visuals, and accessible media (e.g., tactile materials, captions, visual storytelling). Build a sharing platform with student groups, creative workshops, and multicultural collectives.

2. Host a hands-on DIY workshop focused on sustainable making
I will collaborate with a DIY lab to run a campus-based event where students can remake objects using waste materials. The goal is to foster design awareness and environmental consciousness through practice.

3. Engage with cultural organisations to co-develop circular strategies
Try to Reach out to local creative businesses, such as creative companies, design studios, production teams, and event curators to explore how recycled materials and circular economy principles can be embedded in their work. From content creation to strategic leadership, I hope to influence sustainable thinking from the top down.

Sustainability in culture is not just about telling better stories—it’s about building better systems. These are my three steps toward that future.

#GreenSteps #ReMakeCulture #SustainableMedia #CreativeEquity #CircularDesign

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A century ago, eating a mango in winter was unheard of. Today, I can enjoy “fresh” mango anytime I’d like. Whilst, globalisation has helped reduce food insecurity by stabilising supply chains, it also carries a hefty environmental cost: ‘food-miles’ accounts for nearly 20% of food system emissions and 6% of total global emissions.

The biggest culprit? Fruit and vegetables–especially those shipped long distances and kept cold to preserve freshness. Refrigeration, freight, and trucking add an invisible carbon cost to every bite. Shockingly, wealthy nations who account for just 12.5% of global populations, emit just under half of all ‘food-mile’ emissions; we have a societal expectation of demanding unseasonal produce constantly, a privilege food insecure countries cannot afford. Imagine the uproar if supermarkets stopped selling oranges for a few months!

Taking one step, my pledge is to limit all food I eat to be sourced within a 150 km radius of my house. Termed ‘locavore’, eating locally forces one to embrace seasonal eating and supports local farmers. Local produce typically uses fewer fertilisers/pesticides, travels less, and often costs less too!

Australia, a country with immense agricultural diversity, is uniquely positioned to lead this shift. With more rail and electric vehicle use in domestic freight, and better food labelling highlighting in-season and local foods, we could empower individuals to make more sustainable choices.

Alone, my pledge may do nothing, but consumer demand drives markets. If enough of us choose local, we can shift supply chains, lower emissions and take a meaningful step toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

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Energy prices in Australia are rising fast, due to the immense dependence on fossil fuels, despite the fact that it is an oil-producing country, most of its oil is sold outside the country, and energy prices at home are rising very fast. For people like us, it means high prices, tighter budgets.

By taking small steps and conserving energy, we can not only save money but also help to save the planet. An example of this would be turning off your microwave when not in use, even in ideal mode, it consumes ~5 watts per hour.  We can also save a lot of money by using public transport.

For my Take One Step pledge, I commit to turning off appliances ( disconnecting from the wall) when not in use, switching to more energy-efficient appliances when it is time to change them, limiting use of heaters and air conditioners, and using public transportation as much as possible.

This action will support the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:

Goal 7 - Clean and Affordable energy

Goal 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities

Goal 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production

Goal 13 - Climate Action

This might not look like much, but it is that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step

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My Sustainability Commitment: Reducing Waste and Inspiring Change

Sustainability is no longer a distant goal—it is an urgent necessity. As a Monash University student, I am committed to taking meaningful action by reducing my personal waste and inspiring others to do the same. My “One Step” commitment is to significantly cut down single-use plastics in my daily life and replace them with reusable, eco-friendly alternatives. I will begin with simple changes: carrying a reusable water bottle and coffee cup, saying no to plastic bags and packaging, and choosing products with minimal environmental impact.

However, I believe that personal change is only part of the solution. To extend the impact of my actions, I will initiate meaningful conversations with friends and classmates about the importance of reducing waste and making ethical choices as consumers. I will share practical tips, resources, and my own journey through social media and student community channels to encourage collective change.

Additionally, I will support ethical brands that prioritize sustainability and social responsibility. By voting with my wallet, I aim to help shift demand toward a more just and sustainable economy.

Sustainability is not about perfection, but about progress and persistence. By taking this step, I hope to become a role model for others and contribute to a culture of environmental responsibility at Monash and beyond. Together, small actions can lead to meaningful, lasting change.

This is my commitment—to act today, learn continuously, and inspire others on the journey to a sustainable future.

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Shorten food wastage today

Looking around our city, we find that food wastage is clearly a problem. It’s not hard to ignore when we look at our homes ,workplaces and cafeterias, we come to realise this issue is inescapable .I suggest that we do this...My proposition is that we donate the surplus foods from eateries to a local food bank .To implement small change we should begin by starting the trend of reducing food wastage on our Monash campus. We start by recruiting a group of volunteers who would pair up and visit each food court along with a representative from the food banks and present our ideas and plans. As a part of this plan, the food store would transfer the surplus food to a commonplace on the Monash grounds. A member of the food bank would survey and segregate the food according to their food standards then transport to a food bank who would further distribute it among those in need. The businesses that join us to pursue this common goal of sustainability will be affiliated with a stamp of recognition and appreciation from ethical Monash minds. Honestly from my own workplace, it’s disheartening to see so many fresh foods being dumped straight to the bin. Imagine how many people would be fed, if everyone just Ubered their workplace leftovers to the nearest food shelter. It would be a different world.#SDG2

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70 billion pieces of soft plastic. 3000 pieces per person. This is the staggering amount of soft plastic that Australians bin every year, partly because of a lack of awareness regarding the pollution produced by soft plastic, but mainly because of the near absence of soft plastic recycling options.

This is the reason why, for the 'Take One Step challenge', I pledge to reduce my soft plastic waste, as well as influencing my fellow students.

This goal will be achieved through three initiatives:

1. Visual Awareness campaign: a vessel containing 3000 pieces of soft plastic will be installed on my main campus. It will come with no description, but only a QR code which, if scanned, brings the curious passer-by to a page containing info and key facts about soft plastic waste and recycling, and invites them to join the 'challenge' by disposing of their soft plastic in the designated bin (step 2).

2. Soft plastic collection points on campus: I will install a basic collection point for soft plastic in my main campus and invite people to drop off their soft plastic waste. I will then personally dispose of it through my local recycling depot.

3. Soft plastic weaving workshops: I will organise soft plastic weaving workshops on campus to engage fellow students and raise awareness on the matter. Beautiful things come out of waste!

I deeply believe that now more than ever, despite the apocalyptic discourses on climate change, we can invert the course of history by taking action, all together, one step at a time.

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The world around us is changing at a rapid pace, and these changes are having a profound impact on our daily lives, our health, and the future of our planet. From the quality of the air we breathe to the condition of the soil that grows our food and the health of the plants that sustain our ecosystems — everything is interconnected. These natural elements are not just environmental concerns; they are deeply tied to the wellbeing of our communities and the strength of our economies.

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The world around us is changing at a rapid pace, and these changes are having a profound impact on our daily lives, our health, and the future of our planet. From the quality of the air we breathe to the condition of the soil that grows our food and the health of the plants that sustain our ecosystems — everything is interconnected. These natural elements are not just environmental concerns; they are deeply tied to the wellbeing of our communities and the strength of our economies.

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In recent years, I have become increasingly aware of how closely our environment is linked to public health and social stability. Rising pollution levels, climate change, and the depletion of natural resources have made it clear that we cannot afford to be passive observers. We all have a role to play in building a better, more resilient world.

Today, I am reaffirming my commitment to take action. I pledge to re-ignite my efforts in advocating for a healthy environment and a sustainable future. Whether through individual lifestyle changes, community engagement, or broader advocacy, I am determined to be part of the solution. I will support sustainable practices, raise awareness about environmental issues, and contribute to initiatives that aim to restore and protect the natural world.

This pledge is not just about personal responsibility — it’s about inspiring others to join in. Together, through collective effort, we can help shape a cleaner, greener, and more equitable world for generations to come.

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Beyond the Acknowledgement: Learning from Indigenous Communities

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Beyond the Acknowledgement: Learning from Indigenous Communities

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As an international student, I’ve often heard Acknowledgements of Country at the start of classes, but I’ve realised how little I know about the Traditional Owners of the land I now live and learn on. Despite studying sustainability, I’ve rarely been given the chance to meaningfully engage with Indigenous knowledge systems, even though they offer some of the most grounded and regenerative approaches to caring for Country, community, and climate.

For my Take One Step pledge, I commit to initiating a monthly Indigenous knowledge-sharing series at Monash, informal student-led workshops, talks, or reflection circles where we learn directly from Indigenous guest speakers, artists, or knowledge holders about land, culture, and sustainability.

This pledge supports:

SDG 4: Quality Education

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

SDG 13: Climate Action

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

These sessions would be open to all students, especially international students like me who may not have grown up with an understanding of First Nations histories or cultural practices.

I believe that if we’re truly serious about sustainability, we must make space to listen, learn, and elevate the knowledge that has sustained this land for tens of thousands of years.

If selected for Green Steps, I hope to develop this into a lasting, peer-led initiative that partners with Indigenous leaders and helps embed respect and reciprocity into the way we study and act on climate change.

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As a finance student, I’ve spent a lot of time learning how to measure growth, revenue, yield and returns. But SDG 8 reminds us that growth without inclusion, sustainability, or purposeful work is just an illusion of progress.

My pledge is to influence how my finance peers think about growth, not by preaching, but by reframing the conversation from within.

Over the coming months, I’ll begin integrating SDG 8 principles into my academic and student life by:

Sharing insights on inclusive and sustainable economic growth with my peers in study groups, campus conversations, and wherever finance discussions naturally happen

Encouraging finance focused clubs and event organisers I partake in to explore future-facing themes like green jobs, circular economies, and long-term value creation

Highlighting companies that create real value, not just for shareholders, but for workers, communities, and the planet

This isn’t about telling others what to do. It’s about shaping how we think, so the next generation of finance professionals considers who benefits, not just what grows.

I believe sustainable finance shouldn’t be a niche, it should be the new standard. And I want to help lead that shift from the inside out.

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As part of the Take One Step initiative, I pledge to reduce my personal waste and support ethical consumption by committing to a low-waste, vegetarian lifestyle and prioritising ethically sourced products. This is my way of contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals—particularly SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

My action begins at home: I will minimise single-use plastics, shop second-hand whenever possible, and compost food scraps to reduce landfill waste. I also commit to avoiding fast fashion and instead choosing clothes that are ethically produced, recycled, or upcycled. These daily decisions may seem small, but they actively challenge a consumer culture that exploits both the environment and vulnerable communities.

Going vegetarian forever is another step I am taking to reduce my carbon footprint. Livestock farming is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution. By choosing plant-based foods, I am supporting more sustainable food systems that require fewer resources and cause less environmental harm.

Finally, I aim to raise awareness by having open conversations with my peers about ethical living. I will share what I learn on social media and help others understand how simple lifestyle changes can lead to collective impact.

I believe sustainability starts with individual responsibility. By taking this step, I hope to influence others around me to question their choices, act consciously, and work together toward a more just and sustainable world.

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Ditching Delivery for a More Sustainable Plate

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Ditching Delivery for a More Sustainable Plate

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It's easy to hit "order now" after a long day, but that convenience comes with hidden costs: plastic packaging, carbon-emitting shipping, and food I can cook myself.

I promise myself to cut back on food delivery and cook at home more often. This helps me reduce waste, save money, and reconnect with what I eat.

Cooking at home also gives me the option to choose sustainable, ethically sourced ingredients — better for the planet, better for me, and better for animals.

It also supports Goal 12 of the Sustainable Development Goals: Responsible Consumption and Production, and Goal 13: Climate Action — because fewer deliveries mean fewer emissions, less packaging, and more mindful purchasing.

A small change, but one that adds up — one meal at a time.

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Donation Corner: Take what you need. Leave what you can. Items should be clean and in good condition. Let’s share, not discard.

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Donation Corner: Take what you need. Leave what you can. Items should be clean and in good condition. Let’s share, not discard.

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A donation station in the office is a simple yet powerful way to promote sustainability, build a culture of sharing, and support colleagues practically and emotionally. By encouraging people to leave and take items in good condition, it reduces waste, fosters generosity, and helps create a more connected and caring workplace. It promotes the development of sustainable and circular economy in the office. It also offers practical benefits - like helping staff during life changes or saving money - while boosting morale and aligning with green or corporate social responsibility efforts. With minimal effort, it can make a meaningful difference in both the office environment and staffs' lives.

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An inviting and clearly labeled donation station in an office setting. The station includes neatly o

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Spreading Biochar Awareness for a Greener Future

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Spreading Biochar Awareness for a Greener Future

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My One Step for Sustainability:
As a Monash student passionate about sustainability and currently interning at a climate tech company, I pledge to raise awareness about biochar—a carbon-negative solution that improves soil and helps fight climate change.

Over the next few months, I will:

Run awareness posts on Instagram and LinkedIn about what biochar is and how it helps the environment.

Organize a short info session or informal chat at Monash or online to explain its benefits to fellow students.

Try to connect with a local community or startup to explore how biochar could be practically used.

This action supports SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). It’s a small step, but I believe education and conversation can spark bigger change.

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My One Step: Clothing Swap & Repair Circle 👚👖

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My One Step: Clothing Swap & Repair Circle 👚👖

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Fast fashion is one of the most polluting industries on the planet, contributing to overconsumption, waste, and exploitative labour. As a sewist and student passionate about sustainability, I pledge to create a monthly Clothing Swap & Repair Circle in my local community.

I first learned to sew in high school, and over the years, I’ve come to realise just how valuable a skill it is - not just creatively, but practically. Knowing how to mend or alter clothes can save garments from landfill, reduce reliance on new purchases, and restore a sense of agency in how we consume.

My step is two-fold:

1. Reduce waste and consumption by encouraging people to exchange preloved clothes instead of buying new ones.

2. Empower others with skills by teaching simple repair, upcycling, and personalisation techniques – helping people revitalise the clothes they already own so they feel new again.

This initiative supports the circular economy, reduces landfill contributions, and builds community resilience through shared knowledge. It also raises awareness of the social justice side of fashion - where our clothes come from, who makes them, and how we can demand better.

This isn’t just a one-time event. It’s a commitment to help create a shift in how we value the things we own, the people who make them, and our collective power to reduce harm.

It’s a small step, but it’s a stitch in a much bigger tapestry of change.

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 Image source: Ethical investing comes of age. Australian Financial Review, 2017

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Okay so money talks, and I talk. Maybe I should talk about money? And climate? At once!

I'm going to redirect my super and my convos with friends and family towards ethical investing.

I'll be honest, like most uni students, I don't have oodles of super saved up. But what I do have is still being invested somewhere. And until recently, I hadn't thought much about what there somewhere was.

Turns out, most super funds still pour money into fossil fuels and other industries that are accelerating the climate crisis. This just doesn't sit right with me. How can I say I care about the climate and contributing to good in the world, if I literally have my future savings being investing into fossil fuels.

Whilst a seemingly small action that requires no extra cost, redirecting the money I already have towards ethical funds that invest in clean energy infrastructure, or social equity causes, or research for climate solutions is so powerful.

I also want to get more people thinking and talking about this. I'll start small, asking one person in each of my uni classes, one person at footy training, and one person at a social event if they know where their super is sitting. I'll follow up on these conversations sharing resources like Project Planet that explain what and why ethical investing is so important and how simple it is to switch.

If it becomes part of everyday convos, it feels less financey and intimidating, and more achievable.

Because if money talks, I may as well make sure it's about something that matters.

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The right way to open packaging is to keep the wrapper or the package intact as one whole piece. 

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As someone who loves animals a lot and is a vegetarian, i always knew how the health of the planet and the health of the ecosystems are synchronous. Y'all must have heard , everything goes in cycles! : except for garbage, moreover plastic waste, it just goes one-way straight into the oceans and landfills.

I've seen firsthand how even the tiniest of these plastic bags can harm the wildlife while volunteering at many NGO's and other beach cleanups. (in Bombay my hometown). My devotion for sustainability broadened horizons when i got to know that the plastic recycling companies are bigger scammers than clickbait video creators on Youtube. And i completely lost it when i read, we now consume about a Credit Card worth of microplastics every week, thanks to the pollution.

So here's my simple and effective pledge which is no where near rocket science but can save the ocean from a million more pieces :

I’ll always open packets with one clean cut, ,making sure the tear doesn't rip off the parent packet.

I’ll encourage others to do the same-because these tiny bits of plastic are difficult to manage and can end up in the stomach of a turtle or bird or ultimately in the ocean coming back to us.

I’ll keep making choices that protect animals and the planet, and keep spreading the word.

Lets be the change. One clean cut at a time, every time we open any food packaging, for a healthier earth keeping the ecosystems in harmony.

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The Monash Refill Revolution: Our Pledge for a Sustainable Future

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The Monash Refill Revolution: Our Pledge for a Sustainable Future

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We, the students, staff, and faculty of Monash University, commit to a transformative shift: embracing the power of refilling and ending our reliance on single-use plastics.

Inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those addressing Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), contributing to Climate Action (SDG 13) and Life Below Water (SDG 14) by reducing waste and emissions, we pledge to actively participate in the Monash Refill Revolution.

Our Commitment:

Refill First: We will prioritize refilling our bottles and containers for water, personal care products (handwash, body wash, detergents), and cleaning supplies whenever possible, utilizing both campus refill stations and our own reusable systems.

Reject Single Use: We will consciously avoid single-use plastic items, opting for reusable alternatives for coffee cups, food containers, cutlery, and shopping bags.

Demand Sustainable Solutions: We will actively support and advocate for the University's transition to bulk refillable systems for operational supplies, encouraging sustainable procurement practices.

Educate and Inspire: We will raise awareness among our peers and the wider community about the environmental and social impacts of single-use plastics and the benefits of a refill culture.

Participate and Innovate: We will engage in campus initiatives, and work on feedback to enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of refill programs.

By embracing this pledge, we aim to:

Significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste generated on our campuses, easing the burden on landfills and our environment.

Conserve valuable resources and energy associated with the production and disposal of single-use items.

Foster a culture of conscious consumption and environmental responsibility within the Monash community.

Do our bit to reduce ocean plastic and make the precious lives of aquatic organisms easier.

Contribute to a more sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come.

Join the Monash Refill Revolution. Choose to reuse. Choose our future.

Image Courtesy Peppermint Magazine

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Take One Step Pledge: Empowering Sustainable Choices Through Education and Innovation

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Take One Step Pledge: Empowering Sustainable Choices Through Education and Innovation

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As a passionate advocate for sustainability, I believe meaningful change begins with knowledge and proactive choices. My pledge is to dedicate my efforts to promoting sustainable living through education and innovation, aligning with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

🌱 Action Steps:

1. Educate and Inspire: I will host monthly workshops for my peers, focusing on practical ways to reduce waste, conserve energy, and make conscious consumer choices. These sessions will include discussions on the impact of fast fashion, electronic waste, and the importance of supporting ethical brands.

2. Innovate for Impact: I plan to leverage my technical background to develop a digital tool that helps individuals track their carbon footprint and find personalized, impactful ways to reduce it.

3. Community Building: I will connect with local environmental organizations to create collaborative projects, such as clean-up drives and awareness campaigns, amplifying our collective impact.

This pledge reflects my commitment to not just talk about sustainability but to actively shape a culture of conscious living, inspiring others to join me in this journey toward a more sustainable future.

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A street vendor crosses Long Bien Bridge on West Lake in Hanoi, on 12 February 2025. The view is heavily obscured by air pollution. (Photo by Nhac Nguyen / AFP)

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Hanoi, my home, my beloved city, has been burdened with the unfortunate title of the world’s most polluted metropolis.

It breaks my heart to see our vibrant streets shrouded in thick, toxic haze, where the air feels heavy and unbreathable. Every morning, as I step outside, I am met with a reality that is both alarming and disheartening. The once-clear skies are now often obscured by a gray blanket of smog, and the air feels thick enough to choke on.

The statistics are staggering: high levels of PM2.5 pollutants from vehicles, construction, and industrial activities are not just numbers—they represent lives affected, health deteriorating, and futures compromised.

It pains me to think that the air we breathe is directly linked to at least 70,000 premature deaths each year in Vietnam. That's not just a statistic; it’s a devastating loss for families and communities. Each life lost is a story ended too soon, a loved one taken away, and a reminder of the urgent need for change.

The smog that clings to our skies threatens not only our health but also the very essence of our city's charm and potential as a thriving urban hub. As we strive for progress, we find ourselves choking on the very air we breathe, and it fills me with anger. I feel a deep frustration at the lack of sufficient action from various sectors; we have the knowledge and the technology to make a difference, yet meaningful progress seems agonizingly slow.

Walking through Hanoi, I see children wearing masks, elderly citizens struggling to breathe, and motorists caught in endless traffic, all contributing to the pollution crisis. It’s a painful contradiction: while our economy is growing, our environment is suffering. The haze not only affects our physical health but also tarnishes our city’s image, making it less appealing for tourists and investors alike. This is not the Hanoi I want to see; I want to reclaim the beauty and vitality of our city.

I refuse to stand by and watch. I am motivated to take action, to be part of the solution. I pledge to reduce my carbon emissions from vehicles and inspire others to join me in this crucial fight for cleaner air and a healthier future.

My Pledge:

Use Public Transportation: I will choose buses and trains over my car. Each ride I take on public transport is a step towards reducing traffic and pollution, and I want to encourage my friends to do the same.

Carpool with Friends and Family: I will organize carpools for our daily commutes. Sharing rides can significantly cut down the number of cars on the road.

Transition to Electric Vehicles (EVs): I will explore options for switching to an electric vehicle.

Promote Cycling and Walking: I will embrace cycling and walking for short trips. It’s not just about reducing emissions; it’s about reconnecting with my city and enjoying its beauty without the suffocating haze.

Support Local Initiatives: I will engage with local environmental organizations striving to improve air quality. I want to lend my voice and energy to movements that resonate with my values.

Educate Others: I will share my journey and the importance of reducing vehicle emissions with my community. I want to spark conversations and motivate others to take action, too.

I know that every small action counts. By committing to these steps, I wish to contribute to Vietnam’s goal of having 30% of vehicles be electric by 2030 and to support the journey toward carbon neutrality by 2050. I want to reclaim our air, restore our health, and ensure that my future generations can thrive in a cleaner, brighter Hanoi./.

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Sustainability in my life, one step at a time.

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Sustainability in my life, one step at a time.

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Pledge to achieve less waste in daily life

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Pledge to achieve less waste in daily life

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Global waste had been a key issue in today’s environment. On average, an individual generates up to 0.74 kilogram per day and 24% of waste are generated by high-income countries. According to the World Bank, dry waste that could be recycled such as plastic, paper, cardboard, metal, and glass accounts for 51 percent of waste. As of 2020, direct cost of waste generation stood at US$361 billion including externalities. We can take small steps in reaching our waste reduction goals in our daily lives as a student.

Sustainability Development Goal 12: Target 12.5, reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse

1. Bring your own shopping bag to reduce reliance in getting single-use shopping bags while shopping at grocery stores or in shopping malls.

2.  Bring your own reusable cutleries or containers to contain your food whenever you can to reduce waste generation when dining outside or opt to dine in rather than takeaway.

3. Upcycling or repurpose containers such as yogurt cups into a useful holder to keep small items tidy on your desk.

4. Set up a recycling corner in your room to collect recyclable items before sending them to the recycling bins.

5. Reduce wastage by buying only what you need and not what you want. Avoid the tendency to overspend or buy on impulse. Donate food and clothing that we do not require and are still in good condition to various organisations or retail stores, so that communities who needs them more can benefit from it.

Choosing a lower carbon footprint food options by opting for ingredients that are either locally produced and reduces emissions from transportation or switching dairy-based ingredients into plant-based ingredients instead.

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I pledge to champion a zero-waste lifestyle on campus and beyond by eliminating single-use plastics from my daily routine. Starting today, I will carry a reusable water bottle, coffee cup, and shopping bag, refusing disposable alternatives wherever possible. Each week, I commit to conducting a mini waste audit in my residence—which includes sorting and weighing my refuse—to track my progress and identify areas for improvement.

To amplify this impact, I will host a monthly “Waste-Not Workshop” at my faculty lounge, where I’ll share practical tips on upcycling, bulk shopping, and composting food scraps. I’ll collaborate with the campus sustainability office to display eye-catching infographics on responsible consumption (SDG 12) and climate action (SDG 13), showing peers how small choices reduce landfill and carbon emissions.

Moreover, I vow to mentor at least two fellow students each semester through one-on-one “Green Buddy” sessions, helping them set personalized sustainability goals—from switching to bamboo toothbrushes to organizing clothing swaps. By turning data from my waste audits into short social-media stories, I aim to inspire 100 peers to join the zero-waste movement within six months.

Through these actions, I will take one meaningful step toward a more inclusive, eco-friendly community—because every minor change adds up to big, lasting progress.

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Stairs are the right step to take - Literally

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Stairs are the right step to take - Literally

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Invented thousands of years ago, they’re so deeply integrated into how we get around, it has become an afterthought. Stair climbing, as simple as it seems, is considered a vigorous physical activity as per the WHO definition, given its high energy expenditure.

Stairs are all around us, all over our campuses. Despite this, according to a recent AIHW report, only about half of all 18-24 years meet the physical activity guidelines. People just like you and me.

We’re being held back by an invisible hand.

The artificial chime and voice, telling which floor you are on, or telling you to step back, the closing of the oppressive doors; it’s a sound that is all too familiar. As soon as the doors open, swarms of unsuspecting victims walk right into its grasp. Nevermind the stairs right over there.

This invisible hand, which I shall not name, uses at least around 4 to 15 kilowatts of power depending on usage and load. Just with the press of a button.

You’d never leave several ACs on before leaving your house, would you?

This is how I’ll rebel, using WHO SDGs:

Promoting health: I’m dragging myself and the able-bodied of my friends to take the stairs every time.

Climate action: I’m going to tell my friends that each ride on this is the equivalent of brewing several cups of coffee and then spilling it (you won’t get coffee once the doors open again).

Partnership: I’ll speak with my workplace and ask if they can put up a motivational sign at each oppressevator (“If your legs work fine, why do you need me?”).

The invisible hand may be saving you time right now, but it’s also taking away the time you have left, and the Earth’s too. One press-and-ride at a time.

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The balance between environment preservation and personal benefit

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The balance between environment preservation and personal benefit

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Many people may think that being sustainable could be a hard task or taking a conscious plan just to make a difference. This is ultimately not true at all, and real change could be very achievable just be altering daily tasks to the point where it becomes a habit. What many people don't realise is that it also increase gains on an individual level.

To take small steps would be my pledge to creating a more harmonious environment for us humans to live on Earth, including:

1. I will limit the use of single-use plastics, including coffee cups or plastic bottles. And even if I have to purchase them I would make a mental note of cleaning it and throwing it in a recycling bin.

2. Turning off lights when not in use, using less electronic equipment (could use some fresh air!).

3. Travelling responsibly using public transport. Walking, biking, anything that doesn't involve too much usage of natural resources.

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Less Waste, More Meaning: My Pledge for 2025

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Less Waste, More Meaning: My Pledge for 2025

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In a world overflowing with fast fashion and faster trends, I’m choosing a slower, more thoughtful path — one secondhand shirt at a time.

In 2025, I pledge to reduce waste drastically in my daily life. That means saying no to new purchases (unless absolutely essential), shopping exclusively at thrift stores, and donating clothes I no longer wear. I’m not just a customer —I’m a contributor. Every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., I volunteer at Vinnies in Malvern, helping give pre-loved items a new home. I’ve even asked to double my time there — because nothing says impact like rolling up your sleeves (especially if they’re vintage).

But my commitment doesn’t stop at the store. As a content creator on RedNote — a lifestyle-sharing platform similar to Instagram and Pinterest — I use my voice to promote sustainable living. My thrift store tours and secondhand styling posts have reached over 5,000 views, sparking real conversations and real change.

This isn’t just a personal challenge. It’s a deliberate step toward SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. Because what we choose to buy — or not buy — truly matters. Waste is out. Reuse is in. And the best stories are stitched into things that have been loved before.

And I’m not just doing this for 2025 —I’m in it for the long run. Because sustainability isn’t a trend to follow. It’s a habit I’m building, one conscious choice at a time.

Here’s to making sustainability a habit, not a hashtag.

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Thread by thread, I’m weaving myself out of the system that said I wasn’t enough without new things.

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The Year of Not-Buying Things (Except Bananas, Maybe :P)

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The Year of Not-Buying Things (Except Bananas, Maybe :P)

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In a world constantly whispering more, I’m pledging less. Less impulse, less checkout guilt, and definitely less cardboard at my doorstep. From now until the end of 2025, I vow to buy nothing new — no clothes, no gadgets, no aesthetic desk lamps I don’t need — unless it’s essential (food, medicine, or a truly tragic sock emergency).

Instead, I’ll live slower and swap smarter: I’ll thrift, borrow, mend, and get creative with what I already own. I want to romanticize the life I have, not the one advertised to me in a perfectly filtered Instagram story.

This is my tiny rebellion against overconsumption, and a love letter to SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production. But it’s also about joy. Joy in finding a secondhand shirt that tells a better story than anything mass-produced. Joy in asking, do I really need this, or am I just trying to fill something else?

By choosing to consume differently, I’m voting for a more ethical economy (SDG 8) — one that values workers, doesn’t cost the Earth, and doesn’t make landfill the final destination for last month’s trends.

This might seem small. But what if a million of us did it? What if less really was more?

So here’s to the Year of Not-Buying Things (except bananas: health is wealth they say :P).

Here's to slow fashion, honest joy, and building a future where people matter more than products.

Let the creative reuse begin. 🍌✨

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Pledge: Leftovers First - Food Waste Reduction 

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Pledge: Leftovers First - Food Waste Reduction 

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I pledge to commit to a long-term habit of putting leftovers first which means I will consistently prioritise eating, repurposing, or freezing leftovers before preparing or purchasing new meals throughout.

As a University student, I've noticed how often perfectly edible food gets wasted for eg. half a bowl of pasta here, extra rice there, or forgotten vegetables at the back of the fridge. This pledge is my way of addressing food waste on a personal level, aligning with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Each week, I'll do a fridge check before cooking or grocery shopping to plan meals around what I already have. I'll also keep a simple record of how much food I save from being thrown out, not just in money, but in avoided waste. Leftover curry? That's tomorrow's toastie filling. Soft fruit? Into a smoothie.

Over time, I hope to normalise this behaviour in my household and among my peers by casually sharing tips and recipe hacks on social media, showing that reducing waste doesn't require perfection, just intention and consistency.

It's a small personal change that, when sustained across months and years, adds up to real environmental impact. Food deserves respect - from the resources that grow it to the people who prepare it. This pledge is my everyday reminder to live by that value.

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Fostering place, Encouraging walkability, my pledge

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Fostering place, Encouraging walkability, my pledge

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Sydney Road is a bustling place, which fosters a diverse community, with many business' of different programs, bars, stores, and a large art scene, the users in this space range from all background, and all ages.

From a circulation/ transport perspective, we as humans have become accustomed to being second priority to cars, buses, trams, other road vehicles, and often or not, our neighbourhoods, local town centers, are passively hostile towards how we move around in the space.

Our transportation hierarchy has normalised Human traffic waiting for car traffic, giving us mere concrete footpaths barely wide enough to fit 3 people side by side, all whilst cars fly past at 50+ kilometeres an hour, which overall makes walking, what should be an enjoyable experience, into an often unenjoyable time. These sidewalks, such as the ones on Sydney road in Brunswick, often possess minimal, if not, no, connection to the land in which it exists on. There are hundreds of meters of footpath where not a single tree or piece of vegetation is visible.

A little goes along way, whenever given then opportunity, many individuals would prefer to walk around these spaces with greater spatial freedom.

Walking around these spaces and being restricted to the bare minimum has some psychological bearing, for me, i feel crammed, disorientated, and very discluded from the place, if there is a distinct lack of vegetation.

I believe that in a step by step process, many of these popular roads, which foster large amounts of foot traffic, could be slowly revitalised and shift from car focus to human focus.

Starting with initiatives such as gradually removing parking spaces, lanes, and employing new modular designs/ vegetation, can transform the sidewalks of these popular roads into bustling communities, encouraging social life to burst out onto the street.

Furthermore, using one of these larger roads as a starting point will therefore become a pivotal initiative, which can be used a baseline for other roads/ cities to follow on from.

This is just one of the many re-occuring passionate ideas i have, which i believe would make the places we live in more enjoyable, and welcoming.

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One Step Pledge: No disposale meal kit, BYO

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One Step Pledge: No disposale meal kit, BYO

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I pledge to reduce my daily environmental footprint by committing to a zero-waste meal kit routine for all meals I consume on campus. This includes consistently bringing my own reusable cutlery set, container, cloth napkin, and drink bottle—no disposables, no exceptions.

I’ve noticed how easily single-use items pile up during busy uni days. By packing a compact, lightweight kit and encouraging friends to do the same, I want to make low-waste living not just a personal habit, but a visible norm. I’ll document and share creative solutions (like collapsible containers and upcycled cloth wraps) with my peers through social media and campus groups.

This aligns with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, promoting conscious consumption and reducing waste at the source. If just 50 students followed suit, we could eliminate thousands of disposable items each semester.

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Take One Step Pledge: “No Ubers, Just Myki”

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Take One Step Pledge: “No Ubers, Just Myki”

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As a undergraduate student living in Melbourne, juggling classes across campuses, casual work shifts, and event commitments, I’ve often relied on the convenience of Ubers — especially after late-night study sessions or during unpredictable Melbourne weather.

But this semester, I pledge to go 100% Myki-powered — no Ubers, no car shares, no lifts.That means trams, trains, buses, walking, or cycling only. Rain or shine.

But I’m not stopping there.

To turn this into something bigger, I’m also launching the “Mapping the Movement” challenge: a student-led campaign to crowdsource and map out the best sustainable travel hacks at Monash. Think:

The quickest walking shortcuts between buildings

Quiet tram routes for reading on the go

Low-traffic bike paths with nearby refill stations

Late-night transport options that are safe and budget-friendly

I’ll invite students via QR codes around campus (powered by a free Airtable form) to submit their own commute tips. By the end of semester, I’ll compile it into a publicly shared Green Transport Survival Map for Monash students, making low-emission commuting easier and cooler.

Why this pledge? Because I believe behavior change starts with storytelling and systems.
This personal step supports:

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

SDG 13: Climate Action

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals (because this is built with student voices!)

Finally, I’ll calculate the CO₂ I’ve saved by not Ubering and donate that value to a community clean transport initiative — or use it to fund helmets or rain ponchos for students in need.

Myki isn’t just a card — it’s a commitment. And this map? It’s a movement.

#MykiNotUber #MappingTheMovement #TakeOneStep #MonashMoves #GreenStepsCandidate

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Turning the Tide: From Brighton Beach Initiatives to Collaborative Action in Malaysia

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Turning the Tide: From Brighton Beach Initiatives to Collaborative Action in Malaysia

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The urgent action against global climate change calls for collaboration, exemplified by the UN SDG 14 and ASEAN's SEA MAP's commitment to SEA MAP. My following pledges demonstrate this commitment and offer a foundation for collaborative student-led sustainability efforts being implemented on the Malaysian campus as I believe global warming effects developed nations the most, despite pollution mostly coming from developed countries. International cooperation is crucial for effective sustainability and a fair future for all.

One of my pledges is to dedicate my time each month to volunteer with Coast Care, an organisation, known for its environmental dedication. Through this commitment, I will help in preserving domestic beaches and taking accountability for my actions that contribute to pollution. In the future this can be applied to Malaysia similarly inducting a new program for students commiting to beach clean ups or other local places marine areas that require action.

My second pledge is the launch of student targeted promotion of Simply Bamboo. The premise being swapping unsustainable products for accessible biodegradable substitutes. The campaign centres around the Turtle Tribe bamboo toothbrushes, a leading Australian advocate for biodegradable oral care. Each pack contains four toothbrushes, designed to last an individual for a full year, minimizing waste and environmental impact.

Participation & Impact:

Group Purchase Opportunity: Students can pre-order Turtle Tribe toothbrushes through our organized group purchase.

Charitable Contribution: A portion of each purchase will be directly funding vital work of beach clean ups .

Recognition & Community: Participating students will have their names prominently featured on a supporters list, showcasing their commitment to sustainability and philanthropy.

Building on current momentum in Malaysia, future initiatives can expand the accessibility and promotion of readily swappable, environmentally-friendly products to foster widespread sustainable consumption

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As part of the Take One Step initiative and my application for Green Steps, I pledge to take action toward sustainable consumption and the promotion of a circular economy, specifically focusing on the my dietary and fashion choices.

Sustainable Food Practices:

1. Adopting a Plant-Based Diet: I have been trying for past few moths to transition to a predominantly plant-based diet, reducing my consumption of meat and dairy products. Through this change, I aim to lower my carbon footprint.

2. Minimizing Food Waste: I pledge to plan my meals carefully, buy and store food properly, and use leftovers creatively to ensure that as little food as possible goes to waste.

3. Supporting Local Produce: I will prioritize buying seasonal, locally-grown, and organic produce to support sustainable farming practices and reduce the carbon emissions associated with food transportation.

Sustainable Fashion Practices:

1. Choosing Ethical and Eco-Friendly Brands: For quite some time now, I have been trying to support fashion brands that prioritize ethical labor practices, sustainable materials, and environmentally-friendly production methods.

2. Embracing Minimalism and Mindful Purchasing: I will adopt a minimalist wardrobe, purchasing only what I need and focusing on durable pieces that will last longer and reduce waste. I will be mindful when shopping online and aim to reduce the amount of packaging waste that gets into circulation in the economy on my account.

3. Participating in the Circular Economy: I pledge to embrace the principles of the circular economy by repairing, reusing, and recycling clothing by practicing thrift shopping and clothing swaps to extend the life cycle of garments.

I believe that every small step towards sustainable consumption can create a ripple effect of positive change. Through my actions, I also aim to inspire others around me to join me in making more conscious choices for the betterment of our world.

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an oil painting showing two sides one of landfill of used clothes and other of thrift fashion

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LIMITING MY CARBON FOOTPRINT: My pledge to dedicating myself to vegetarianism and shopping sustainably

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LIMITING MY CARBON FOOTPRINT: My pledge to dedicating myself to vegetarianism and shopping sustainably

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I have been embracing my vegetarian lifestyle for the past 3 months!

While 3 months might not seem like a long time, being a chicken-lover my whole life, I found it extremely difficult to not give in when eating out with my friends or just simply scrolling through social media with all the mukbangs that tempt me into just buying fast food.

Therefore, I pledge to commit to vegetarianism for my whole life, and hope to transition into veganism once I am fully confident in my ability to stay vegetarian.

Being vegetarian for the past three months has made me realise the amount of money that I was spending on fast food: going to KFC as I was coming home from uni or work and indulging in a Zinger burger had been a part of my weekly routine. But I found that I hadn’t spent a cent at KFC ever since I became veg. This change has not only improved my health and helped me save money, but it has also been a small contribution towards helping the environment.

This pledge aligns with SD Goal 13 as reducing animal consumption shifts away from methane-emitting food, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, and contributing to positive climate change.

I pledge to eradicate my fast fashion consumption and transition to shopping from thrift shops and slow fashion brands. While shopping from Shein and other fast fashion brands has felt convenient due to their affordability, the clothes I purchase often go unused after just a couple of wears.

Opting for second-hand clothing shops and ethical fashion brands not only promotes sustainable consumption and production but also aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 12. By making this shift, I aim to contribute to a more sustainable and responsible fashion industry, by creating a capsule wardrobe and not falling victim to trends that fade quickly.

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I pledge to educate myself on the origin of one item I own every day.

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I pledge to educate myself on the origin of one item I own every day.

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I pledge to become more self-aware about the environmental impact of my actions, and to not close my eyes to the reality occuring outside the walls of this comfortable house. To do so, I will educate myself on the origin of one item I own every day—an ingredient on a label, a brand I use, a skincare product, or something else.

Too many people turn a blind eye to the impact of their consumption habits, relishing in the comfort that others practice the same lifestyle, and that their individual actions won't stop the destruction of the environment by the government and corporations. But the truth is, we are all influencers on the people around us. On our family, our friends, and our peers.

Even by reading the pledges of others here, I feel empowered that I'm not alone in my desire to live more sustainably. That I'm not the only one who cares. And I think this unity is exactly what we need to scale this individual change to a societal one, helping us achieve SDG 11, “sustainable cities and communities.”

Rather than only seeing the value a product provides to me, I pledge to also see what it costs to the environment, even if the truth is distressing. With a wider perspective, I will then be able to reevaluate my current consumption decisions. I believe self awareness and education are the first step to addressing any problem; I've recognised that I don't know enough about the products I use, and now I seek to change that. This is the start of a lifelong journey of learning that will help me transition to a more sustainable lifestyle, aligned with SDG 12, “responsible consumption and production.”

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im gonna create apple paper n put apples in the recycling bin

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I pledge to volunteer for beach clean-up initiatives to save our oceans, and water bodies and prevent sea animals from harm. This initiative aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water that seeks to conserve and use marine resources sustainably. This effort prevents toxic materials from entering our ecosystem. Plastic makes up a significant portion of marine debris. 8 million metric tons of plastic waste end up in the oceans every year. This alarming statistic encouraged me to take action for ocean conservation and sustainability.

Beach clean initiatives are useful for picking out the tiny plastic waste, cans, bottles, and food packaging which are usually not picked up by the cleaning trucks. Beach Patrol, is an Australian NGO that works toward the same mission. I would collaborate with them for beach clean-up activities. To improve the impact of this mission and instill a sense of sustainability in our student community, I will encourage students from our University to join this initiative. I would also share impactful stories on my social media to inspire my connections to participate in the initiative and become stewards for water conservation. Every small action is a step towards protecting our oceans.

Another green step I would take is segregating waste before disposing it. It is an issue that a large number of students at my student accommodation don't pay much attention to. During community events, I would speak about the importance of sorting the waste before disposing and recycling old cans and bottles. This could go a long way in keeping certain waste out of the landfill.

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Individual impact and sustainable habits. 

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Individual impact and sustainable habits. 

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I pledge to develop a conscious awareness of my own sustainability impact and build more sustainable habits.

As we head into winter and the temperature drops even further, lots of people will be cranking up the heating to stave off the cold. But did you know that the levels of greenhouse gas emissions from air conditioning (3.94%, NREL/PARC) are almost twice as high as the entire aviation industry? (2% in 2022, IEA). And heating contributes to four times more than cooling.

With this in mind, and in alignment with SDG12 ("ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns"), I make a commitment to maintain a heater setting no higher than 18 degrees and turn it off completely when away (my room is small and heats quickly so no need to sustain while I'm away), and also wear warmer clothes inside.

Alongside this, I shall also strive to

- Take advantage of natural lighting more; open curtains :)

- Turn the lights off when not needed

- Shut down the PC and monitor when not used

- Make a more conscious effort to ensure all unnecessary household power consumption is cut before leaving

- Spend less unnecessary time in the hot shower ;-;;

- Take the stairs instead of the lift unless going up at least three floors

- Frequently reflect on the impacts of personal lifestyle choices and consider more sustainable alternatives

- Stay informed on sustainability news and be open to other lifestyle changes for sustainability!!

Whilst many of these things may seem like tiny inconsequential steps, it's about starting with simple steps to build habit, which can have powerful effects compounding over time. Even just consciously remembering to turn off an unused light can be a frequent reminder of one's impact. Even though individual behaviours may seem futile, meaningful change requires everyone's active participation. And all of this starts with an awareness of one's actions and impacts!!

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My Pledge for Water Security and Sustainable Energy

I pledge to support SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation and SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy by launching the "Water and Energy Wise Monash" initiative at Monash University. Inspired by my experiences with water scarcity in Indonesia, where I studied sustainability challenges during a two-week summer program, I am committed to promoting water conservation and sustainable energy practices on campus.

Key Actions

Water Conservation Awareness:

As Vice President of the Monash Health Science Society, I organised workshops, seminars, and social media campaigns to educate the Monash community on health promotion in an sustainable way.

Cover practical steps like fixing leaks, using water-saving fixtures, and mindful water usage.

Installation of Water-Saving Devices:

Collaborate with university administration to install water-saving devices such as low-flow taps, shower heads, and dual-flush toilets in all campus facilities.

Rainwater Harvesting Systems:

Implement rainwater harvesting systems across campus to capture and store rainwater for non-potable uses like irrigation and toilet flushing.

Sustainable Water Management:

Promote sustainable water management practices, including using native and drought-resistant plants, maintaining water infrastructure, and adopting grey-water recycling systems.

Energy Sustainability Actions

Reduce Carbon Footprint:

Promote energy-efficient practices and encourage the use of renewable energy sources to reduce our campus carbon footprint.

Support Renewable Energy:

Advocate for installing solar panels and other renewable energy systems on campus buildings to move towards net-zero emissions.

Advocate for Change, Education, and Research:

Organise educational campaigns and research initiatives focused on sustainable energy and water management, collaborating with other institutions and industries.

Collaboration and Long-term Partnerships:

Foster collaborations with stakeholders, including government bodies, NGOs, and the private sector, to invest in a low-carbon economy and embrace digital technology.

Together, we can Think, Love, Live GREEN, save water, ensure sustainable energy access, and build a resilient, sustainable world by 2050.

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Establishing a Safe E-Waste Disposal Unit for E-Cigarettes on Campus

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Establishing a Safe E-Waste Disposal Unit for E-Cigarettes on Campus

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(Sustainable Development Goal 12)

E-cigarettes, or vapes, have surged in use. According to the National Drug Strategy

Household Survey 2022-2023, 1 in 5 Australians aged 14 or older have tried an e-cigarette, with 7% currently using them. Young adults (18-24) are the largest user

group, with 21% vaping, and half vaping daily.

The health risks of vaping are well-known, but the environmental implications are often overlooked. E-cigarettes contain lithium batteries, which are harmful if not disposed of properly. Non-rechargeable items are often marketed as ‘disposable,’ making it unclear that they need to disposed of properly, not in regular bins.

Understanding E-Waste

E-waste, including items with plugs, batteries, or power cords like e-cigarettes, is the fastest-growing municipal waste category in Victoria, increasing by 8% annually (Sustainability Victoria).

Why E-Waste Shouldn’t Go in Bins

Environmental and Health Hazards: Lithium batteries can release carcinogens like nickel into water and air. They risk contaminating soil and groundwater and can cause landfill fires emitting toxic gases.

Recycling Value: E-waste contains valuable metals like tin, copper, zinc, and

aluminium. Recycling can recover 95% of battery materials, including lithium, which

can be reused in new batteries, reducing the need for mining.

Legal Requirements: Since July 2019, it’s illegal to dispose of e-waste in Victorian

landfills, with fines up to $120,000 or 2 years imprisonment.

Current Issue at Monash

The nearest e-waste drop-off points from Clayton Campus are in Notting Hill and

Clayton South, requiring difficult and dangerous battery separation from e-cigarettes.

Proposed Solution

Inspired by the City of Port Phillip’s EcoBatt trial, I propose to place dedicated disposal bins on all Monash campuses. RecycleSmart will collect and separate the waste. Additionally, to raise awareness about the risks of improper disposal via Monash’s website and social media platforms.

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POV: YOU'RE TRYING TO MAKE CLIMATE EDUCATION MORE ACCESSIBLE 

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Let's make climate education more clear and accessible!

My passion for making climate education more accessible stems from the widespread confusion about climate change, despite its frequent mention in political discourse and media. Many technical terms are used to discuss climate change and it can be a struggle to understand what climate change is and how it affects us.

🤳👩🏽‍💻To address this, I aim to use social media and engaging visuals to simplify the causes of climate change and illustrate practical steps individuals can take to help the planet/

🤝Additionally, by collaborating with community leaders, I hope to reach non-English speakers and people with disabilities, ensuring that climate education is inclusive and comprehensible for everyone.

🌏This effort aligns with SDG Goal 13, "Climate Action," by fostering greater awareness and empowering communities to take informed, meaningful action against climate change.

🌴Moreover, I want to focus on communities that are particularly vulnerable to climate change, such as the Pacific Islands, our closest neighbours. Many families in my community are from the Pacific Islands, and by educating my local community, they can share this information with their families back home, raising awareness about climate change and its repercussions.

To pursue action on this passion, I have a three-point plan:

1. Further Research and Learning: Build a strong foundation of knowledge on the current climate crisis by conducting extensive research and reaching out to current climate advocates to learn from their experiences and insights.

2. Establish a Social Media Platform: Create a presence on Instagram and Facebook, which have extensive reach and support multiple forms of media, to disseminate climate education content effectively.

3. Design and Publish Content: Develop engaging and informative content, and publish it on my platforms. Collaborate with other advocates and translators to ensure the content is accessible to diverse audiences. Such as including visual descriptions of images such as the one above.

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In the background is text that says that 'There is no planet B.' On the left hand side is an ice cream cone with a melting globe reflecting the current climate crisis. Then in the left hand corner is a blue button with 'Climate Change is Real.' Then on the bottom right hand corner is Climate Activist, Greta Thunberg.

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Thrift more and throw less!!

Let’s make sustainable fashion the way to dress!!!

I pledge to shop less frequently and only from sustainably sourced+ethical clothing stores and help others do the same 👚🧦

It’s no doubt that the fashion trends filling our feeds grab the attention of up to date students like myself. But what happens when our consumerism has consumed our planet??

Did you know — Buying just one white cotton shirt produces the same amount of emissions as driving 35 miles in a car. —[WRAP](http://www.wrap.org.uk/sites/files/wrap/valuing-our-clothes-the-cost-of-uk-fashion_WRAP.pdf)

I think it’s time for all aesthetics to come together to win the war on fast fashion.

To help others do the same I want to introduce an event called:

✨ The Monash Met ✨

Want to trade clothes with others?

Thinking of looking into sustainable fashion but don’t know where to go?

Why don’t you come down!!

The Monash met runs during Melbourne Fashion week because we’re trying to change fashion to be more sustainable.

The plan of action:

1. Trade and sell section of the Met (student’s trade or sell their current pieces)

2. Fashion students can design pieces from scraps and auction them, proceeds to charities that support exploited labourers in the fast-fashion industry — like the Clean Clothes Campaign)

3. Invite sustainably sourced and ethical clothing stores to display their pieces (brands like Cariuma)

4. Promoting education on breaking clothing consumption habits and considering production materials

This pledge takes action towards SDGs 11 (promoting sustainable fashion choices in an accessible and engaging way), SDG 12 (promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns amongst uni students), SDG 13 (immediately changing our clothing consumption mindset and habits) and indirectly SDG 10 - Reducing inequality by supporting causes that seek justice for victims of the fashion industry.

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Using Indigenous wisdom to help conserve our home and mitigate the effects of climate change.

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Using Indigenous wisdom to help conserve our home and mitigate the effects of climate change.

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Interacting with animals and nature has always bought me peace and joy. In my youth spending time in nature and drawing animals was my favourite way to pass time. I fear in generations to come children will not experience the same joy's mother nature has to offer as I helplessly watch climate change cause species, natural land, and biodiversity to disappear before my very eyes.

To have an avenue to make change in the world I chose to study science where courses in Ecology and conservation inform me of how best to care for our natural world. In a stem major I am encouraged to trust data, facts and research, though I find this disregards the rich wisdom of our Indigenous people.

The mutual understanding and gratitude between Aboriginal people and their land is a connection I have always admired. Resources are collected as they're required and the needs of other organisms within the ecosystem are considered and respected. This knowledge sustained Indigenous ancestors who lived off the land for more than 60,000 years. Despite living in the Anthropocene for only a brief moment in comparison, we have caused an unprecedented amount of damage compared to Indigenous ancestors.

In the words of Indigenous woman (Potawatomi) Robin Wall Kimmerer “Our ancestors really knew how to learn from the land and how to listen…We have to decolonise that notion that we’re the only ones with knowledge and be humble enough to listen.”

I pledge to enhance my knowledge of ecological conservation by learning Indigenous knowledge about our homeland. I want to learn about their deep connection to country and their expertise in using natural resources sustainably. By integrating this wisdom, I will work towards my future endeavours in ecological conservation.

To implement this I hope to

1. Delving into the wealth of Indigenous knowledge presenting ancient solutions to conservation. This includes reading books such as Dark Emu by Bruce Pascoe and Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer.

2. Amplify Indigenous knowledge at Monash, particularly in areas of STEM. Whether this be through a monthly newsletter or social media posts I want accessible platforms for Indigenous knowledge to be shared. Perhaps incorporating Indigenous wisdom into specific relevant subjects would aid the dispersal of knowledge.

3. Hold Indigenous led tours of the Aboriginal garden on the Monash Clayton campus. Students can learn about the practical use of native plants and harbour a deep appreciation for Indigenous knowledge.

In committing to this pledge I hope to address SDG 13 centered around addressing climate change.

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Life Cycle Product Mapping to ensure a sustainable behavioural change on campus

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Life Cycle Product Mapping to ensure a sustainable behavioural change on campus

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As a Commerce student, I want to be able to transfer my technical knowledge in sustainability frameworks into not only my everyday university life, but everyone else’s routine while on campus. Therefore my pledge is one inspired by the principles of a circular economy that details a clear path of products during its life cycle. Through this idea I want to use a circular economy map to help educate and shift students behaviour when they are consuming a product or material while on campus, in order to further a more positive sustainability focused attitude. By mapping the life cycle of simple products like that of a piece of clothing from a fast fashion company or of a coffee cup in an infographic, students can gain a greater understanding of the impact of their individual consumption which can inspire a positive behaviour change.

This links to goal 12 responsible consumption and production by helping to shift student behaviour through understanding the production cycle of a product which could in turn reduce consumption of non environmentally friendly products on campus.

Additionally, as goal 4 details the importance of quality education, providing a new visual resource for students to understand a specific products life cycle can aid them to make more environmentally conscious decisions in the future as a result of such a small yet vital piece of information that they have gained from such a resource.

Lastly, at its core sustainability is inextricably connected to mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change which connects to goal 13, highlighting the importance of climate action. If such a resource can gain traction and awareness, this can help to catalyse more involvement, interest and therefore action towards how we as students can adapt towards the climate crisis while on campus.

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Clean water is a human right, not a privilege

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Clean water is a human right, not a privilege

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How many times did you re-fill your drink bottle today? Did you have a shower this morning or last night? How many times did you wash hands today? You might think these are trivial questions. Afterall, for those of you reading this passage it is assumed that these daily tasks are invisible portions of your day to which we don’t give much of a second thought.

But, what if for a second, we gave these small tasks a second thought? What if we reflected on our day but through the perspective of one of the 2.2 billion people who do not have access to safe drinking water services. Or even the 1.6 billion individuals who don’t have access to a decent toilet of their own. Suddenly, our invisible and obvious daily tasks are underscored with some sort of privilege.

Access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene is the most basic human need for health and well-being. It is a topic to which the westernised world choses when to address and to whom they believe should access this fundamental right. I am making a pledge to ensure that this SDG goal (no.6) becomes an issue of necessity for all appropriate corporations, governments, and educational institutions to prioritise.  Water and climate change are inextricably linked, and I believe a comprehensive education of the link between them is what this generation of change makers need.

What steps I will take to make this happen?

1.      Encourage the university to participate in university wide fund-raising events such as World Water Day, World Toilet Day, Water Aid: #ChangeTheScore

2.      Promote and delegate more funding to water related engineering teams such as Sustainable Water Monash, Monash Pilot plant and others.

3.      Introduce a free/mandatory module for all students to complete regarding climate change, water scarcity and the nature of water as a human-right.

As an aspiring environmental engineer I am passionate about driving social and environmental change through human-centred design and innovation and that all starts with education.

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Embracing Sustainable Consumption: My Pledge to Reduce Fast-Fashion-Induced Harm

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Embracing Sustainable Consumption: My Pledge to Reduce Fast-Fashion-Induced Harm

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To reduce my carbon footprint, I am pledging to shop exclusively for second-hand clothing. I also pledge to refrain from shopping unless I genuinely need new clothing, as well as pledge to re-purpose or donate any clothing I no longer wish to keep in my wardrobe. I aim to do my part in reducing the consumption of fast fashion that promotes harmful industry practices, is in violation of human rights, and increases in landfills each passing minute.

My actions align with SDGs 11, 12, and 13.

SDG 11 focuses on creating sustainable cities and communities. By purchasing second-hand clothing, I will contribute to reducing the demand for new clothing production, which involves harmful environmental practices through the use of incorrect waste disposal, harmful chemicals, and cheap, easily worn-out materials. This action supports the development of a circular economy, wherein resources are reused and recycled, reducing waste and pollution in our neighbourhoods.

SDG 12 emphasises responsible consumption and production. By pledging to buy only when necessary, I am making a conscious effort to minimise my consumption. This reduces the strain on our fast-dwindling natural resources and decreases the environmental impact of manufacturing new clothing. Additionally, by reusing or donating my old clothing, I am extending the lifecycle of these items, ensuring they do not end up in landfills prematurely.

SDG 13 is about combating climate change. The fashion industry is a significant contributor to our growing global greenhouse gas emissions. By choosing second-hand clothing, I am reducing my carbon footprint and supporting efforts to mitigate climate change.

Through this pledge, I aim to inspire others to consider the impact of their clothing choices and encourage them to take similar steps towards sustainability. Every action counts, and together, we can make a substantial difference in creating a more sustainable and equitable world.

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an expressive oil painting of earth drowning in clothes and plants going from green to brown

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Inspiring children is key to our sustainable future.

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Inspiring children is key to our sustainable future.

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My entire life has been intertwined with water and the life it sustains.

Over the years, I've evolved from being a water polo player and diver passionate about exploring and protecting the environment, to a chemist and swimming instructor. My chemistry studies have taught me how essential water is for life and how our actions are jeopardizing its purity, perhaps irreversibly. As a swimming instructor, I strive to show children the beauty of aquatic sports and the importance of safeguarding our oceans.

Recognizing the pivotal role children play as future agents of change, I am aware of my responsibility as an educator. Therefore, my pledge is:

To inspire those around me to use water responsibly and to be mindful of pollutants that harm our water sources and ecosystems.

What will be my actions?

1)        I will challenge my students and water polo teammates in Monash University to limit their showers to less than three minutes after each session. The average shower uses 8 L of water per minute, so reducing shower time by just five minutes can save over 38 L of water per person each day!

2)        I am encouraging a ban on single-use plastics, using instead reusable water bottles in my classes and training sessions. Single-use plastics are a significant source of pollution in our oceans, so this action not only reduces waste but also educates them about the impact of plastics on marine life and human health. We must do something about the increasing levels of microplastics!

These actions will directly impact on SDGs:

Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Goal 14: Life Below Water

I am committed to combining my passions and knowledge to inspire change in children.

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Tree-Free Tales: Reshaping Reading Habits for a Greener World

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Tree-Free Tales: Reshaping Reading Habits for a Greener World

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As someone with a vast array of curiosities and interests, finding just one area to focus my passion on has always been difficult. Do I want to improve human rights? Help bring education to children in remote areas? Use my biomedicine degree to provide medical resources to struggling societies. I lay in bed overwhelmed by the sheer volume of fields I want to impact.

One night, as I was lost in these thoughts, a book from my overflowing bedhead fell on my face. After my surprise (and annoyance) passed, I looked at my collection and knew I had hit gold.

For as long as I can remember, I have been a reader. Holding a new book, with its crisp paper smell and endless promise, brings me so much joy. But looking at my collection, I realized how much paper was being used to satisfy my literary appetite. A quick search revealed that in 2005, about 84.4 million paperbacks were published by Australian book publishers (this was the latest statistic I could find). This number doesn’t even include international publishers. The publishing industry is one of the leading polluting industries, with millions of trees being cut down—about 32 million in the US last year alone—so I can enjoy “Little Women”.

So, I pledge to transition from reading paperbacks to more environmentally friendly formats. Furthermore, I will utilize libraries to reduce my carbon footprint while still enjoying physical books. This aligns with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. By choosing digital and borrowed media over buying new books, I hope to reduce my environmental impact. I also plan to advocate for this change by educating others about the downsides of physical books while highlighting the convenience and importance of alternative reading modes. I hope these small steps can mark the beginning of my journey toward helping create a more sustainable society.

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Gen Z report a looming sense of existential dread and urgency regarding environmental issues. It’s easy to feel like the future feels bleak due to decisions made by generations and leaders before us.

While it is true that many sustainability issues are at the hands of major corporations and are rooted in the fabric of our society, we must make use of the tools we have.

Even the smallest of changes contribute to the bigger picture.

And - what’s a better distraction than a little bit of Gen Z influence?!

Online trends are at our fingertips, and while we can be easily led into unsustainable consumerism, we can also use it as a tool for change. I pledge to use social media to fuel a better and more sustainable future!

DEPOP AND MORE – by purchasing second-hand and pre-loved clothing online, I pledge to make a difference in my fashion consumption by avoiding the purchase of new clothes. Second-hand sources boast unique pieces, while also promoting a circular economy in our community and decreasing waste.

HOT GIRL WALK – the ‘hot girl walk’ is a trend popularized online. Dressed up, educational podcast on, walking to my destination instead of relying on car transportation. I pledge to make walking a priority over driving small distances, after all, lowering travel expenses and doing exercise won’t hurt either.

EDUCATE YOURSELF – I pledge to continue being curious about sustainability and utilising social media to research, share, and gain vital knowledge in my journey to adopting more sustainable practices in my life.

My goals align with SDG 3 – Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages, SDG 12 – Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns and SDG 13 – Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

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4.5 million take-away meals are consumed by Australians every day, contributing significantly to the tens of millions of tonnes of plastic waste produced on an annual basis. 

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Reducing disposable food packaging waste at Campus Center food courts: A step to sustainability

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Reducing disposable food packaging waste at Campus Center food courts: A step to sustainability

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Over the past few years, the reduction of disposable coffee cups has been a key focus of the sustainability movement. Amounting to over 2.5 million single-use cups a day in Australia alone, they have an alarmingly significant environmental impact. However, in order to fully address the issue of single-use waste, we must as a community address the waste produced from the 4.5 million take-away meals consumed daily by us here in Australia.

Amounting not just to a single cup and a lid, each and every one of these meals comes with plastic containers, cutlery, bowls, plates and bags. Weekly at my casual hospitality job and daily at the Monash campus centre, I see the sheer magnitude of waste created - yet, these rows of overflowing skip bins are only a tiny portion of the waste created in a matter of hours of one day, of one year, by one food court, in one country. Even paper tableware has a sizable impact, due to its high embodied carbon and likelihood of containing plastic lining.

In order to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 12; ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns; single-use take away waste must be minimised.

Herein I pledge to reduce my own consumption of disposable take-away tableware and containers. The actions I will take to do this are:

🟤 Dine-in where possible to use reusable tableware.

🌱 Limit take-away consumption by bringing packed lunch to uni and work.

In a similar manner that keep cups are used, and in the same way that France’s 2023 ban on single-use tableware made restaurants & fast-food chains serve food in reusable, returnable tableware, I pledge to introduce a common reusable take-away container & tableware system to Monash.  To reduce our waste by at least 20% in the Clayton campus centre by 2026, I will champion the introduction of both:

🌿 A product line of reusable tableware sold on campus, which when used at a participating food provider on campus, provides students and staff with a discount.

🌳 A large set of reusable, washable tableware owned and used by all participating campus centre food providers, which will be returned by students and staff at collection points across the campus.

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Full Circle: An Economic Perspective on Environmental Crises

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Full Circle: An Economic Perspective on Environmental Crises

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"We look at poverty always in terms of income, but poverty is so much more than income. Poverty is a lack of choice, it’s a lack of opportunity..."

- Jacqueline Novogratz, founder of Acumen

Novogratz brought a new perspective and hope to African communities struggling with resource scarcity, using none other than capitalist markets. Capitalism so often seems like the enemy, but the Rwandan families now on liveable incomes through the microfinance company Duterimbere would beg to differ. The key: circular economies.

I pledge to maximise my impact through support of a circular economy. This has the following benefits:

Encourages Responsible Production and Consumption (SDG 12)

Enhances relationships with local environments, supporting SDGs 13 (Climate Action), 14 (Life Below Water), and 15 (Life on Land)

Propels Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7)

Facilitates Sustainable Cities (SDG 11)

The first part of my pledge is an initiative I developed for entry to Monash’s Bachelor of Science Advanced – Global Challenges. This involved a circular-focused restructuring of the EU’s Emissions Trading Scheme, built upon the relationships of communities with local environments. I pledge to turn this idea into a pilot over the next 12 months, by joining Monash Carbon Capture and Conversion for industry appraisal.

The second part is an individual, immediate initiative. Over the next 6 months, I pledge to join OzHarvest and implement their initiatives in my own life. OzHarvest recycles what would be food waste into meals for those in need, with workshops that I will bring to my university community in support of the SDGs 1, 10, and 11.

Novogratz has seen "unbelievable change happen in places that the world sees as uninvestible." What Australia needs is a new perspective on environmental markets, which I pledge to form through small steps in my own life and at Monash University.

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Luna, J. (2023, June 29). Jacqueline Novogratz, MBA ’91, on the Role of Storytelling in Investing. Stanford Graduate School of Business. https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/jacqueline-novogratz-mba-91-role-storytelling-investing

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In alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, I pledge to take a simple yet impactful step to promote sustainability on my university campus.

My Step: Reduce Single-Use Plastics on Campus

I will launch an "Eco-Friendly Campus Campaign" aimed at reducing the use of single-use plastics among students and staff. This initiative will raise awareness about the environmental impact of plastics and provide practical alternatives to create a greener campus environment.

Action Plan:

1. Awareness Campaign: Design and distribute informational materials (posters, flyers, social media posts) highlighting the harmful effects of single-use plastics and the benefits of reusable alternatives.

2. Reusable Alternatives: Partner with the campus bookstore and local businesses to offer discounts on reusable items such as water bottles, coffee cups, and shopping bags as well as providing maps with locations of all the water refill stations on campus for those who want them.

3. Plastic-Free Events: Work with student organizations and campus event planners to ensure campus events are plastic-free by using biodegradable or reusable materials.

4. Trash Audit: Organize a campus trash audit to identify the most common single-use plastic items and find targeted solutions to reduce their use.

Impact:

Environmental: Reduce plastic waste on campus, contributing to less pollution and a cleaner environment.

Social: Encourage a culture of sustainability among students and staff, fostering a community that values and practices responsible consumption.

Educational: Provide practical knowledge and tools that students can carry with them beyond university, promoting lifelong sustainable habits.

By committing to the "Eco-Friendly Campus Campaign," I aim to make a tangible difference within my university community. This simple step, focused on reducing single-use plastics, will not only improve our campus environment but also inspire others to adopt more sustainable practices. Together, we can create a ripple effect of positive change, proving that small actions can lead to significant environmental benefits.

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Education and Waste Reduction: Take One Step

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Education and Waste Reduction: Take One Step

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I'm someone who has been involved in environmental activism for a while. One of my favourite parts of being an activist is sitting down with people, one on one or in larger numbers, and having a conversation with them about how they are feeling about climate change and the state of the environment. Endeavouring to meet people where they are, spreading awareness, and encouraging others to take action is a very fulfilling experience, especially when I see someone having a light bulb moment of inspiration.

SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 13: Climate Action:

I have already partnered with MSA-ESJ to host a film screening for environmental advocacy, I pledge to continue taking actions that educate people and spread awareness throughout this year as part of my activism.

I also pledge to continue to educate myself on Indigenous knowledges and rights in whatever way I can, as Climate Change is also a Social Justice Issue. Taking classes at Monash has been an amazing way to broaden my horizons and critically self-reflect on my privilege, I would highly recommend! I also endeavour to find other ways of educating myself such as podcasts and visiting areas in Melbourne- like the Koori Heritage centre, to understand whose land I'm living on more.

SDG 12: Responsible Production & Consumption

As someone whose noticed the amount of waste created by sanitary products, I also pledge to reduce my waste production by buying more sustainable and ethical period products such as reusable underwear.

I also pledge to begin learning how to sew my own clothes to combat fast fashion, as this is a skill I've always wanted to learn.

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My Pledge to Create Systemic Change in Cafes and Communities

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My Pledge to Create Systemic Change in Cafes and Communities

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As a student, barista and avid coffee consumer; I pledge to influence change in my community to reduce the usage of single use coffee cups & to stimulate conversation about the role of individual action in combatting the climate crisis.

I often find myself quite distressed at the end of a long day's shift when I have to take out the bins, including those outside which have collected piles and piles of takeaway coffee cups, generated from the last day alone. Seeing first-hand the volume of people who buy takeaway coffees just to sit inside, or will buy a shot of espresso in a takeaway coffee cup just to drink it immediately and throw it out, has made be particularly inspired to take on the challenge of creating change within my own habits, but also those of my customers and the community. Whilst encouraging the implementation of a discount for keep cups and being rigorous in ensuring that I bring my keep cup with me absolutely everywhere, I am mindful of the fact that there are other avenues available to me to promote change within our community. This could look like including educational materials within the café about the harms of takeaway cups, having more frequent constructive discussions about individual responsibility with customers, and re-invigorating our "green caffeine" program which provided rental keep cups to anyone and everyone!

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I pledge to only buy second hand clothing for the next year!

Did you know that wearing a piece of clothing for an extra nine months can reduce its carbon footprint by 20-30%!

Alignment with SDGs:

1. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production - Thrifting promotes the reuse of clothing, whilst also encouraging creativity and pride in what one owns, rather than always searching for the new best thing!

2. SDG 13: Climate Action - Fast fashion has deleterious implications on the environment. Thrifting is the first step in attempting to attenuate fast fashions effects.

3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities - Thrifting is a great way to support local businesses, whilst cultivating a tight-knit community.

At my school, I ran an initiative called 'Thrifty Thursday', where over a period of time, I went around the school asking students to bring in any clothes that they don't wear anymore and drop it off at a certain location for me to collect. Once I felt there were enough contributions, I, with the help of my peers, opened a "store" where each person had to pay an entry fee of $5 or less. Once they had payed that fee, they were entitled to enter the "store" and select two pieces of clothing.

This encouraged the idea of reusing clothes and recycling garments that were sitting and rotting away in someone's closet. As we all know "one man's trash is another an's treasure".

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I pledge to promote gardening and keep on gardening:)

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I pledge to promote gardening and keep on gardening:)

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Mother nature is one of the fairest people i know. If you love her and nourish her she gives her gratitude back to you.

Anyone who planted and witnessed a seed sprouting to a seedling and finally to a fruit knows this experience.When you eat a strawberry that you grew in your own garden with your own hands that pride and satisfaction can never be felt by a strawberry you brought from Coles,which was in a plastic box to add on.

I know everyone is not privileged with time and resources but there is always a solution like growing a small indoor plant or a cactus that only needs watering once a month.That can be start and i want to show people that start.

In order to make people who are disconnected with nature reconnect with the simple joy of self sustenance. In order to let individuals consumed by technology to experience the relaxing beauty of nature.And finally in order to make my heart a bit more fuller i take this pledge.

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Reducing social media consumption to address clothing over consumption

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Reducing social media consumption to address clothing over consumption

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That was so last week …. !?!?! We live in a society where fashion trends rise and fall faster than ever. Clothes we bought last year are no longer “trendy”. The prices of those only get higher. As a result, a lot of us have fallen into a cycle of over consumption. But we know better than that. Let's break the cycle. By targeting SDG 12 ‘sustainable consumption and product patterns’.  I pledge to reduce the over consumption on these two areas:

1. Social Media Consumption

2. Fast Fashion

Social media is an incredibly powerful tool. However, platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest bombard us with endless content showcasing the latest trends. Subconsciously, this fuels our desire to constantly update our wardrobes to keep up with ever-changing styles. This culture of comparison fostered by social media communicates that we as people are not enough just the way we are. As a result, encourages us to purchase items we may not necessarily need.

Steps towards change:

1. A university based clothing swap/ thrift store. Students can drop off unwanted clothing items, in return, swap for a item/s or gain credit to utilise at this thrift store.

2. Curate my feed: I will follow accounts that promote minimalist lifestyles, or conscious consumerism. Unfollow or mute accounts that heavily promote fast fashion or consumerism.

3. Raise awareness: I will begin and encourage discussions surrounding the sustainability implications of fast fashion to raise awareness and inspire change

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Promoting Water Conservation at Monash University/real-life world

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Promoting Water Conservation at Monash University/real-life world

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In my commitment to fostering a sustainable future, I pledge to avoid wasting water, aligning my actions with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. By conserving water, I aim to reduce my environmental footprint and inspire others at Monash University to adopt water-saving practices.

Steps to Take:

1. Reduce Personal Water Use: I will take shorter showers, turn off the tap while brushing my teeth, and use a broom instead of a hose to clean outdoor areas.

2. Implement Water-Efficient Solutions: At my residence, I will install low-flow showerheads, faucets, and dual-flush toilets to minimize water usage.

3. Advocate for Campus-wide Initiatives: I will work with Monash University’s sustainability office to advocate for the installation of water-efficient fixtures in campus buildings and promote the use of drought-resistant plants in campus landscaping.

4. Raise Awareness on Campus: Collaborate with Monash University’s sustainability initiatives to promote water conservation through workshops, campaigns, and social media to encourage students and staff to adopt water-saving habits.

Relevances

This pledge is crucial as it addresses the pressing global issue of water scarcity, exacerbated by climate change and population growth. According to the UN, over 2 billion people live in countries experiencing high water stress. At Monash University, we have a unique opportunity to lead by example in addressing this challenge.

We can significantly reduce our water footprint by integrating water conservation into our daily routines and campus operations. Monash's commitment to sustainability, reflected in its initiatives like the Net Zero carbon emissions target, aligns with my pledge to contribute to a healthier environment and a sustainable future.

Personal Motivation:

Water is a vital resource, and its conservation is essential for sustaining life and ensuring that future generations have access to clean and safe water. Growing up in a region where water scarcity is a critical issue has instilled in me the importance of responsible water use. By adopting and promoting water-saving practices, I hope to inspire my peers at Monash University and contribute to global efforts to ensure water security for all.

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Threads of Change: Fashioning a Sustainable Future

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Threads of Change: Fashioning a Sustainable Future

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As part of the Green Steps program, I am committing to reducing my clothing consumption by carefully selecting only five new items each season. This pledge entails understanding my body shape and personal style to curate a wardrobe that is both functional and sustainable. Out of these five items, four will be basic staples that can be mixed and matched to create various outfits, while the fifth item will be a statement piece that I genuinely love, even if it may not be as versatile.

Why This Challenge Matters:

The fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to environmental degradation, from the immense water and energy consumption in garment production to the pollution caused by textile dyeing and waste. Fast fashion culture promotes excessive consumption and contributes to a throwaway mentality, resulting in overflowing landfills and exploitation of labor in developing countries.

By consciously reducing my clothing purchases and focusing on quality over quantity, I aim to minimize my environmental footprint and contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry. This challenge encourages mindful consumption and promotes the idea of cherishing and maximizing the use of each clothing item, thereby reducing waste and conserving resources.

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Addressed:

1. Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: By committing to purchasing fewer clothes and choosing items based on quality and longevity, I am contributing to the promotion of sustainable consumption and production patterns.

2. Goal 13: Climate Action: The fashion industry is a significant contributor to carbon emissions and other environmental impacts. By reducing my clothing consumption, I am helping to mitigate the industry's contribution to climate change.

3. Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: Supporting sustainable fashion practices can promote decent working conditions and fair wages for garment workers, aligning with the goal of fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

4. Goal 14: Life Below Water and Goal 15: Life on Land: By reducing my consumption of new clothing items, I am indirectly helping to reduce pollution and minimize the impact of textile waste on both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

By taking this pledge, I am committing to making a positive impact on the environment and supporting a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry.

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I pledge to unabashedly voice my views on veganism and animal rights. 

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I pledge to unabashedly voice my views on veganism and animal rights. 

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Since embracing veganism, I have realised that it can be a very isolating experience. People love to criticise, mock and judge my choices. I found myself becoming somewhat of a closeted vegan, in hopes to avoid these painful instances. However, I know that my choice is borne out of compassion for fellow sentient beings and an understanding of why a plant-based diet is necessary for fighting climate change. I pledge to voice out my views, my concerns and my knowledge more confidently. I pledge to not let the fear of judgement hinder me from sharing the knowledge, evidence and findings of veganism.

Veganism is applicable to all the 17 SDGs and is a lifestyle that will greatly reduce individual carbon footprint, while improving the lives of countless animals globally. Veganism also has the potential to help restore marine and land ecosystems, and help provide food for millions of people using the existing resources. It will help reduce inequalities and improve access to water, food and land as a plant-based diet requires significant less inputs than dairy and meat-based diets.

I pledge to encourage more and more people to embrace veganism.

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As we speak, those clothes that were just so ‘last year’ and had to be thrown away are most likely sitting in landfill, on the 200+ year waiting list to be decomposed back to the earth. This is the fate of over 97 million tonnes of clothes every single year. Fashion waste is not only the final products getting piled up in landfill however, it is the harmful dyes and chemicals getting dumped into rivers in India that the local villages depend upon, it is the wasted effort and energy to make clothes designed to be redundant in a matter of months, it is the lives that are lost due to unsafe working conditions in the sweatshops of TNCs.

To tackle this issue both businesses, consumers and institutions need to do their part, but it is hypocritical to demand change from others without first doing your part. Therefore I will do my part to stop the prevalence of fast fashion by repairing what clothes are broken, only buying what I need and upcycling what is beyond repair to bring new life to the clothes such as turning old shirts into ties.

This is how it was before fast fashion consumerism and from my personal participation with fashion upcycling start-ups, I know that it can be done again. By consuming responsibly according to SDG 12, we will topple the first domino that will signal greater global change. Reduced landfill will save life on earth, less industrial pollution will preserve our waterways and it is my ambition to make institutional change via my participation in the 2024 Global Changemakers Summit where I will do my part in convincing companies that equity, transparency and safety will help their sustainability in terms of people, planet and profit.

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Embracing Eco-Friendly Makeup and Skincare

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Embracing Eco-Friendly Makeup and Skincare

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I pledge to transition to using sustainable makeup and skincare products in my daily routine. This commitment aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. By choosing eco-friendly beauty products, I aim to reduce my environmental impact and promote ethical practices within the beauty industry.

To achieve this, I will first start by researching and choosing beauty brands that prioritize sustainability. I will opt for products made with natural and biodegradable ingredients, and packaging that is recyclable or refillable. By reducing single-use packaging, I will help prevent marine pollution, supporting SDG 14: Life Below Water.

Moreover, I will advocate for change by sharing my journey and educating others about the importance of sustainable beauty choices through my blogging and social media page which I am passionate about. I believe that small actions can create a ripple effect, inspiring friends and family to join me in this commitment towards a greener future.

In addition to environmental impact, I will prioritize, discover and promote brands that support fair trade practices and cruelty-free manufacturing, contributing to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. By supporting ethical practices in the beauty industry, I aim to promote positive social and economic outcomes.

By implementing these steps, I am taking action towards a more sustainable lifestyle and contributing to global efforts for a healthier planet and society.

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The issue of single use coffee cups in the dispensary: As a pharmacy student, and working alongside practiced pharmacists of 10+ years experience, we as a collective consume an inexorably large amount of coffee! We all love a coffee (or tea), and there's no sign of our consumption of the caffeinated beverage slowing down. However, because of this love of the beverage - and significant investment by the neighbouring Muffin Break - the number of coffee cups that have filled the bins in both the dispensary and break room cannot be counted. But this doesn't mean we can't lower the number of single use cups we go through each week! That's why I'm going to go out of my way to encourage each pharmacist, technician, and assistant (and myself) to bring keep cups into work, and reinforce this by occasionally taking my break to ask the pharmacist(s) on duty where their cups are, so I could shout them a coffee. This will hopefully not only start to reduce the waste we produce in the pharmacy, but also build a greater comradery between the dispensary team, encourage the wider team to take steps in their life outside of work to reduce their use of single-use containers, and maybe even make some great ideas for Chris cringle gifts :D

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My commitments to everyday sustainability...

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My commitments to everyday sustainability...

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1. Taking Public Transport

Since my first year of university, I have been taking public transport to university, this has reduced my carbon footprint. This is a daily choice that allows me to live more sustainably. I hope to continue this into my working life and will aim to find jobs that are accessible by public transport. Post university I hope to purchase an electric or hybrid vehicle to limit my reliance on petrol.

2. Renewable Electricity and Saving Water

When Australia experienced droughts and had water restrictions, I became mindful of my water consumption and how this is our most precious resources. I helped install a water efficient shower head in my family home. This passion has now led to me wanting to ensure Australia can now adopt more renewable energy such as solar and wind. I commit to using the natural day light, remember to turn off lights, changing the lights in my house to LED and making efficiency choices for my personal heating and cooling systems.

3. Minimalism

I no longer purchase single use plastic water bottles and opt to carry a small reusable drink bottle whenever I go out. I also don’t excessively purchase reusable products such as extra bottles or coffee cups until they break, or I need it for a specific purpose.

4. Limiting my Consumerism

Saying no fast fashion and heavy consumerism such as Shein is a way for me to show I do not want to support an industry that fosters exploitation. Even the prices on Shein for clothes are cheap I have intentionally chosen not to shop there due to their unsavoury labour practices as I know that cheap prices come at a cost.

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Take One Step: My Pledge to Embrace Imperfect Produce

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Take One Step: My Pledge to Embrace Imperfect Produce

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As someone who both loves food, and cares about embracing a sustainable future, I was recently shocked to hear that 30% of Australian fruits and vegetables never leave the farm due to aesthetic reasons, and I believe it's time for change.

I pledge to choose imperfect produce.

I will purchase produce from local farmers, suppliers, and businesses that sell 'ugly' produce. By buying local, I can also prioritise making low food mile meals, reducing CO2 emissions, and minimising food waste.

I pledge to get creative with my cooking.

Rather than picking a recipe and then purchasing the required ingredients, I will purchase my 'ugly' produce first. By focusing my food consumption on locally available, seasonal, 'ugly' produce, I can ensure that my meals are first and foremost focused on reducing waste.

I pledge to spread awareness and encourage others to embrace 'ugly' produce.

I will tell friends and family about the benefits of buying 'ugly' produce, which include:

Reduced costs (up to 30% cheaper than supermarkets according to Farmers Pick)

Newfound kitchen creativity and associated nutritional benefits

A range of sustainability outcomes, including reducing food waste and supporting a circular economy

To advertise these benefits, I would love to host an 'ugly' produce dinner party, showcasing the creativity and joy that comes with working with local ingredients.

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Farmers Pick - Real Food, Perfectly Imperfect

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Statistics of Ugly Fruit and Veg Food Wastage in Australia - Farmers Pick

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Discover the extent of food wastage in Australia, particularly ugly fruits and vegetables, and its impact on the environment, economy, and households.

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From the Lab to the Earth: A Pharmaceutical Scientist's Sustainability Pledge 

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From the Lab to the Earth: A Pharmaceutical Scientist's Sustainability Pledge 

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As a student of pharmaceutical sciences, I acknowledge the profound impact this field has on human health and environment.

Thus, I pledge to:

Advocate for sustainable practices within the pharmaceutical industry: I will actively seek out and promote sustainable practices in research, manufacturing, and patient treatment. This includes minimizing waste, promoting green chemistry, energy efficiency, sustainable packaging and environment friendly alternatives throughout the supply chain.

Promote sustainability research and education: I will strive to bridge the knowledge gap between science and sustainability. I aim to achieve this by staying informed on the latest technological advancements and communicating them to students as well as other industry professionals.

Promoting and engaging in ethical research: In a research intensive field such as pharmaceutical sciences, it is essential that all research is conducted through an ethical lens. I aim to approach research in drug development ethically considering the environmental impact of the practices employed in the development process.

Balancing business objectives and patient interests: I aim to strike a balance to fulfill the business objectives of the pharmaceutical industries without compromising patient needs. The ESG framework will be used to achieve this.

Be a change agent: I will strive to be a leader in promoting sustainability within the pharmaceutical industry. My actions, both as a student and future scientist, will be guided by the principles of sustainability and ethics to ensure drug development.

This pledge is a promise not just to myself but also to the future. I am committed to contributing to a pharmaceutical industry that prioritizes both patient health and environmental well-being.

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Empowering Change: The Ethical Fashion and Social Justice Pledge

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Empowering Change: The Ethical Fashion and Social Justice Pledge

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I, Sambhavi Ragvan, pledge to take a stand against the exploitative practices prevalent in the fashion industry. Recognizing the interconnectedness of environmental sustainability, social justice, and ethical consumption, I am committed to making informed choices that prioritize the well-being of both people and the planet.

I will question and challenge the fast fashion model that relies on cheap labor and rapid turnover. I will advocate for transparency and accountability from fashion brands, demanding fair wages, humane working conditions, and an end to labor exploitation and human trafficking in their supply chains. I will support initiatives that empower workers, particularly women and vulnerable communities, who are disproportionately affected by the negative impacts of fast fashion. This includes advocating for stronger labor laws, supporting fair trade practices, and amplifying the voices of garment workers to ensure their rights and dignity are respected.

To create a more equitable and sustainable fashion industry by embracing slow fashion principles. I will prioritize quality over quantity, choose clothing made from sustainable and ethically sourced materials, and support brands that uphold ethical production standards throughout their supply chains.

I understand the urgency of addressing the systemic issues within the fashion industry. I will educate myself and others about the true cost of fast fashion, engage in meaningful conversations and activism, and lead by example in promoting ethical fashion choices that contribute to positive social and environmental change.

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I pledge to actively contribute to a more sustainable future by taking small, impactful actions that can inspire positive change in the world. My commitment includes three key areas:

1. Adopting Vegetarian meals at least twice per week

I pledge to eat vegetarian meals at least twice a week. This small dietary change can significantly reduce my carbon footprint and water usage, while also promoting animal welfare. By incorporating more plant-based options into my diet, I aim to inspire others to consider sustainable food choices.

2. Embracing the 10c Refund Deposit Scheme

I pledge to actively participate in recycling initatives such as the 10c refund deposit scheme for beverage containers. By doing so, I will not only reduce waste but also help fund local programs and initiatives that contribute to a cleaner environment.

3. Advocating for Sustainable Practices at Monash University

I pledge to advocate for sustainable practices on campus, such as promoting recycling, encouraging energy-efficient behaviours, and supporting local initiatives. Through active participation in university sustainability programs and societies, I hope to inspire fellow students and staff to adopt greener habits.

By committing to these actions, I aim to contribute to the global effort to combat climate change, promote responsible consumption, and build a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

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Join the Sisterhood: A Pledge to Empower Women Together

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Join the Sisterhood: A Pledge to Empower Women Together

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My Pledge: I pledge to empower women and champion their basic rights and opportunities. As a woman, I vow to uplift and empower those around me, recognizing the transformative power of solidarity among women. In today's world, the ideal of women supporting each other often falls short, marred by criticism and demotivation from within our own circles.

I acknowledge the pervasive barriers and inequalities faced by women globally. It's disheartening that societal norms sometimes pit us against each other instead of fostering camaraderie and sisterhood. However, I refuse to succumb to this narrative.

Instead, I commit to being an ally and advocate for my fellow women. I will actively work to break down these barriers and create a supportive environment where we can all thrive. By choosing to uplift rather than tear down, we can collectively challenge systemic injustices and achieve personal and professional goals.

Together, let us redefine the narrative and build a world where women truly are each other's best friends and allies.

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Mitigate Plastic Use in Pharmaceutical Packaging

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Mitigate Plastic Use in Pharmaceutical Packaging

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In recognition of the pressing need to mitigate plastic pollution, I intend to significantly reduce the use of plastic in pharmaceutical packaging. My commitment extends beyond mere words; I will actively pursue alternative, eco-friendly materials and packaging designs that uphold the highest standards of safety and efficacy. Through rigorous research, innovation, and investment, we will develop sustainable solutions that minimise environmental harm while meeting the needs of patients worldwide.

Furthermore, I am dedicated to fostering widespread awareness and understanding of the urgent need for plastic reduction in pharmaceutical packaging. By educating stakeholders and promoting responsible consumption practices, we aim to catalyse a culture shift towards sustainability within the healthcare industry.

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Embracing Sustainability: One Conscious Choice at a Time

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Embracing Sustainability: One Conscious Choice at a Time

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As I embark upon a more sustainable future, I am aware that a fundamental shift in my behavior and mindset is necessary.  This realization has led me to make a pledge, which is “to embrace sustainability in every aspect of my life, understanding that even small actions can create ripple effects of positive change”.

I pledge to embrace the principle of reducing, reusing, and recycling. I will adopt a sustainable approach to fashion by shopping in places like Salvos and Lifeline stores and donating items I no longer use to their worthy causes. I will also choose products with minimal packaging or find creative ways to repurpose items.

Conserving energy and water had also become a priority. I will be mindful of the impact of our energy and water consumption on the environment. From turning off lights and appliances when not in use to opting for energy-efficient alternatives, every effort counts towards reducing our carbon footprint and preserving precious resources.

Transportation is another area where I will make conscious choices.  I will prioritize modes of transportation that reduce emissions and congestion. Whether it's walking, biking, carpooling, or using public transit, I will support initiatives that promote sustainable urban mobility.

Moving forward, I will support regenerative agricultural practices that promote soil health and biodiversity. I will also take steps to reduce food waste by planning meals, storing leftovers properly, and composting organic waste.

Most importantly, I will recognize the power of education and advocacy in effecting meaningful change. I'm committed to staying informed about environmental issues and sharing my knowledge with others to inspire collective action.

By embracing sustainability in every aspect of my life, I hope to contribute to a more resilient, equitable, and thriving planet for present and future generations, one conscious choice at a time.

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I pledge to use public transport as much as possible.

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I pledge to use public transport as much as possible.

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Coming from a country with a very well connected public transport I think it was very difficult for me in the initial one semester to move around without my own personal vehicle. I believe it will be very helpful if we all start using the public transport to reduce carbon emissions. And it will be great if they government start improving the PTV sytem here

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I pledge to support and advocate for policies that protect healthcare workers from violence, harassment, and burnout, ensuring a sustainable, equitable, and high-quality healthcare system for all.

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I pledge to support and advocate for policies that protect healthcare workers from violence, harassment, and burnout, ensuring a sustainable, equitable, and high-quality healthcare system for all.

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This commitment is not just about safeguarding the welfare of individual workers; it’s about ensuring the entire healthcare infrastructure is robust, fair, and enduring.

1. Sustainability of Healthcare Systems

The sustainability of healthcare systems hinges significantly on their ability to retain skilled and experienced workers. High rates of burnout, a common plight among healthcare professionals, contribute to attrition and a decrease in the overall quality of care. The stressful nature of healthcare, characterized by long hours, emotional toll, and sometimes physical risk, exacerbates this issue. By instituting and upholding policies that mitigate these stressors, healthcare facilities can maintain a stable workforce. This stability is crucial for developing long-term strategies that improve patient care outcomes and system efficiency. Furthermore, a consistent team enhances institutional knowledge and reduces the costs associated with training new staff, thereby economically stabilising healthcare institutions.

2. Quality of Patient Care

Protecting healthcare workers directly influences the quality of patient care. A workforce that operates in a safe and supportive environment is better positioned to perform its duties effectively. Workers free from the threats of violence and the strains of burnout can focus more on patient care rather than self-preservation. Moreover, environments that actively combat harassment and support mental health contribute to fewer medical errors, higher patient satisfaction, and more compassionate care. These factors are essential for a healthcare system that seeks not only to treat illness but also to foster overall well-being.

3. Promotion of Workplace Equality

Equally important is the role of such policies in promoting workplace equality. Healthcare workers from minority groups—including women, people of colour, and LGBTQ+ individuals—often face disproportionate levels of harassment and discrimination. This inequity can deter qualified individuals from entering or remaining in the healthcare field, further exacerbating workforce shortages and limiting diversity, which is proven to enrich problem-solving and patient care strategies. Protective policies ensure that all workers have equal opportunities to succeed and lead within their professions, irrespective of their personal characteristics. This approach not only enriches the workplace culture but also models respect and dignity as core healthcare values.

4. Ethical Considerations

From an ethical standpoint, the healthcare sector carries a responsibility to treat its workers with the same care and respect that is expected in treating patients. This commitment reflects a fundamental moral principle of reciprocity and duty of care.

In summary, advocating for policies that protect healthcare workers is not just about creating a safer workplace but is essential for maintaining a sustainable, efficient, and ethical healthcare system that prioritizes high-quality patient care and workplace equality. These efforts ensure that the healthcare profession remains a viable and respectable option for current and future generations of healthcare professionals, ultimately securing the health and well-being of the broader population. This pledge is a commitment to uphold the dignity of the healthcare profession and its indispensable role in society.

As we contemplate the broader impacts of these protective policies, it's essential to ask ourselves:

How might our own health outcomes improve if every healthcare worker were supported to work in an environment free from fear and undue stress?

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Everyday Alternatives for a Greener Future

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Everyday Alternatives for a Greener Future

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Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the emissions of large corporations and governments? By the 20 large companies which are the source of more than half of all single use plastic waste? By the private aircraft emissions of CEOs, billionaires, and celebrities’, whose extravagant jet trip emissions can total the average carbon footprint of thousands of people? Does this ever leave you feeling powerless to make a difference? While it is easy to believe that your individual actions are futile in contrast to industrial emissions and pollution, it is exactly these small actions that can become catalysts for change.

I am also guilty of giving up, being disheartened in the face of emissions of industrial giants and falling behind in individual actions for sustainable living. As a final year mechanical engineering student looking to also complete a masters of renewable engineering, I have come to a realisation of a trend in my own behaviour. Once a very optimistic high school student who practised and preached sustainable actions to lessen one’s carbon footprint, over the years, I've found myself doing less and less in my daily lifestyle, often justifying my inaction with the notion that I'll be better equipped to make a difference once I have acquired sufficient experience, knowledge, and skills in renewable engineering once I graduate.

In Australia alone, emissions from food waste and livestock significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. I have now realised that from reducing food waste to opting for sustainable transportation, each decision will collectively contribute to a healthier planet.

Small tangible steps towards sustainability such as these should be implemented now rather than later. Below are objectives I pledge to take and spread awareness within my community in order to take part in ‘Take One Step’:

Reducing Food Waste

By shopping locally and growing your own herbs and vegetables to reduce carbon miles or composting food scraps you can significantly reduce methane and carbon dioxide emissions, contributing to Goal 13: Climate Action. I collect coffee grounds from my uncle's two Soul Origin cafes but will pledge to collect more for example at uni or local cafes. I also will continue to eliminate food waste by feeding them to my dogs, using zero waste recipes and composting as seen in the first image above.

Reduced Beef Intake

Whilst it is difficult to entirely change your diet, opting for less beef in ones' diet while still consuming enough protein is entirely possible. This also aligns with SG13 as the demand for Australian cattle to decrease, lessening methane emissions.

Embracing Energy Efficiency

Implementing energy-saving practices like using natural lighting and turning off appliances when not in use to reduce energy consumption as part of SG13.

Opting for Sustainable Transportation

Choosing public transportation, car pooling or biking over driving to decrease your carbon footprint, supports goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. I pledge to biking to my bus stop for uni or biking to work rather than sleeping in and falling in the trap of convenience.

Promoting Recycling

Encouraging the recycling of bottles within the community to reduce plastic pollution aligns with goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. I will continue to commit to this as seen with the new Victorian Container Deposit Scheme in the second image attached of my car full with friends, families and colleagues' bottles collected.

No Fast Fashion

Finding the time to research and support sustainable fashion brands or purchasing second-hand clothing to reduce waste and promote responsible consumption and production also complies with Goal 12. Rather than online shopping via companies notorious for unethical issues or falling into the consumerism cycle, I will encourage my friends and family to come thrifting with me or to Hunters + Fitzroy markets.

So while we may not have the influence of multinational corporations, each of us holds the power to shape a sustainable future through everyday choices. I pledge to implement and spread awareness of these small actions such that collectively, a ripple effect of positive change can contribute meaningfully to environmental sustainability.

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I have been raised to be environmentally conscious. My Mum never owned a car due to fossil fuels and gas emissions and shopping at the op-shop for second hand goodies was always the first option.

As I have grown I realise that not everybody has the same attitude to caring for our environment but also neglect the needs of humans by living an unsustainable life!

In alignment with Goal 16 I pledge to promote "peace...provide access and justice for all". I have already taken action by following my passion with the Bachelor of Global Studies, educating myself on human rights and politics to gain a stronger sense on how to help people on a large scale. I shall continue to strive towards goal 16 knowing that it is not an issue that will ever have an end. Conflict, injustice and death surrounds all of human kind. This effecting health, development, security and safety. Through my education I will help hit targets of less violence and and promoting justice through conversations, participating and working for ethically focused organisations and being mindful of how my life impacts people all over the world depending on how i consume and treat others.

I include and support people from all backgrounds and identities and hope to have a role pushing for legislation that promotes access to ALL people.

Taking a pledge to this goal is being conscious everyday of how I can live more ethically and provide more to the community around me. I pledge to practice this within everyday life while always striving to create change on a larger scale in my future.

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Let me paint you a picture.

It's the year 3012. Taylor Swift's new album is still not out but guess what is?

Clean water. Breathable Air. Nutritious food.

People walk around in the streets with masks that infiltrate toxic chemicals in the air now.

Clean, consumable water is as rare as a blue moon in the sky.

Food is rationed and common delicacies such as chicken and rice are nowhere to be found.

We live like astronauts in space, except we are home.

Quite dystopian, right? That is what I told myself at first. Until my present started to look a lot like my dystopian imagination.

My present was disastrous.

I started using the air conditioner. 'Such a third-world problem', you might think. But mind you, I come from a place where it rained almost every week and so I was used to layering up even in the summers. The plants and trees in my neighborhood created a canopy that kept our house cool and breezy throughout the year.

Then, the trees had disappeared by the time I returned home last year. The temperature was 36 degrees Celsius on average at this point, and even if I stayed inside my house, I was sweating. Rain fell once a month and our neighbors began to come to our house for clean, drinking water since their wells dried up.

My silly little dystopian scenario had become reality.

And that is when I realized, turning on the air conditioner when it got hot was not the solution but rather the root of the problem. As consumers, we often forget the consequences of our actions. We rarely consider the greenhouse gases emitted from running the air conditioner, despite its significant role in climate change and global warming.

SDG12 calls for the sustainable production and consumption of goods and services. If a country can maintain its standard of living without depleting its natural resources, the nation is sustainable.

According to the World Bank, 'the world economy as a whole has grown without depleting its wealth from natural resources over the past decades. Yet from 2012-2018 – the latest years with data – this trend has reversed, putting decades of sustainable growth at risk.'

As the population continues to increase rapidly and resources deplete at an even faster rate, the overwhelming need to consume and produce sustainably is in our hands now.

Now, I know what we are all thinking. "Oh, the government or the UN will solve it. There is nothing I can do to make a difference on my own." Now, what if I told you that each of us can make a difference by simply switching our cute, plastic coffee cups to reusable ones? Sounds easy right?

That is all it takes to change.

Subtle changes in our consumption and production habits create a butterfly effect that ultimately leads to a more sustainable and eco-friendly environment. Responsible consumption should no longer be just a conversation. It is time to take more than one step and make it an ACTION.

Hence, I say we all pledge together to save ourselves, the environment, and our future generations:

"Together, let's work tirelessly towards a zero-pollution future where resources are preserved and every individual enjoys the benefits of sustainable living. This is our pledge, our commitment to SDG 12, and our promise to the planet and its inhabitants."

Now, let's move into my plan of action. How do I plan to consume and produce sustainably?

Firstly, I have divided this goal into three aspects:

1.     consumption

2.     production

3.     Integration of both mediums into one platform

In terms of consumption:

The first step to change is awareness. As I mentioned, most people are usually not aware of the harmful effects of their habits. I aim to provide awareness to individuals about sustainable consumption and its importance through social media, university events, partnering up with environmental impact clubs, and volunteering.

As a Business student, I aim to create marketing videos and campaigns that encourage discussion among young people regarding sustainability and responsible consumption. People often stick to old habits even if they have a negative impact but if their entire friend group starts talking about switching habits, they are bound to follow.

I aim to encourage students to indulge in green-tech startups and technology development to develop cost-effective green alternatives. Even if people want to change, they might not be able to afford it as sustainable alternatives are often more expensive.

In terms of production:

I aim to partner up with government bodies or individuals to discuss implementing stricter laws around businesses abiding by ESG principles in their operations. Most organizations value increasing their profit margin and so would avoid practices that would lead to a hefty fine.

As a Business student, I aim to partner up with my fellow business-mates to provide free consulting services for small to mid-sized firms that aspire to transition from a traditional to an ESG-focused business model.

Attend networking events to have discussions regarding ESG transformation with corporate employees and managers.

Lastly and my most innovative idea is to create an app that provides information to consumers about how to indulge in sustainable practices and provides services to businesses to operate more sustainably.

Key features:

Consumer side: If a consumer is unsure of how to recycle a certain product, they can scan the product through the app and it shows potential methods of recycling.

The app also helps consumers differentiate between sustainable and unsustainable products.

If consumers want to consume from sustainable and ethical brands, the app shows a variety of firms that produce sustainably within the consumer's selected budget.

If a consumer aspires to donate to charity but is unsure of how to do it, the app shows the nearest charity from their location and if they're too busy to visit directly, there is a function to have a person pick up the products directly from their location and drop it off at the designated place.

Every time the consumer indulges in sustainable practices, they get a point and once they acquire a certain amount of points, they are awarded with a gift card for keeping the environment clean.

Producer side: Businesses that pass a level of ESG practices will be awarded a sustainable badge on the app, which increases the chances of consumers purchasing the firm's products.

If a business aims to improve its ESG practices, the producer side of the app has the feature of ESG advisory that helps businesses switch to sustainable operations.

Green businesses will be marketed more to the consumers on the app, thereby improving the sales and revenue of the firm.

So, are you ready to take more than one step to saving the Earth from my dystopian imagination?

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I am partially aboriginal and have collected a list of ongoing chronic health conditions despite living a relatively typical life, these have inspired me to look at what daily, weekly, monthly changes we can make that are suitable for everyone to learn about from children, young adults or even communities.

I want to take inspiration from my ancestors ways of living and find ways of convince with living without damaging ourselves or our home. some of the changes I would want to make would be around indigiounous practices like swapping packages scented oils with inderiounous was of reducing stress such as harvesting eucalyptus to steam or put in your showers as breathing in eucalyptus helps to regulate the body is natural to our environment and more cost affective in todays society.

I want to evoke change in the way we shop and source food, in todays society I don't expect people to go forge for food but I can share what plants are native to australia to use for herbs in cooking if wanting to grow your own rather ten buying more packaging. I could find farmers markets and locally sourced fruit and veg stores and which is better for our economy and we can reduce waste by taking recycled fruit and veg bags, we can explore best practices for storing fruits and veg to increase there life span and reduce waste. this can lead into how we can use our scrap foods in our garden for fertilising and repurposing. other shopping ideas could begetting meat from local butcher's who wrap meet in decomposable materials rather than plastic seen in stores.

I don't expect everyone to make these big grand changes in life, I know how difficult in can be to just try to get up out of bed and make it through your day when we have little energy, which is why I want to see changes that are feasible and beneficial for us in many ways. I want to help people save money in times of high cost of living, reduce waste going into our land fill, take care of our bodies and in return take care of our environment.

I want this change for myself to seek the benefits that can come with it as I have already been slowly researching but also I want to gain this information and start finding ways to incorporate my future students, as a preservice teacher I want to make changes that students can assist with like gardening, recycling, repurposing products and reusing.

- Courtney kennedy

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According to the 6th Sustainable Development Goal, around the world there are large amounts of water scarcity. Australia is in a fortunate position to not experience such issues nationwide, however there are frequent droughts.

I have witnessed these incidents all over social media as well as on the news and so I decided to take action about it. My pledge is to adhere to the United Nations' goals and create flyers as well as social media accounts to promote the issue as well as create videos so that everyone understands the issues. I will also formulate a safety tap, designing it as well as researching the technology which goes into it.

Even creating a prototype and creating a goal for actioning the plan around our taps and showers on campus so long as time permits. This small contribution will ensure that the Monash staff and students are aware of our environmental footprint and be more wise as well as sustainable with water usage.

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We are living in a world of many controversies and global crises. As such, I will collaborate with many corporations and Monash to increase education and outreach towards ongoing issues such as Gender Equality, LGBT rights as well as wars and major conflicts around the world.

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Waste to Resource: Materials Recovery at Monash Residential Village ♻️

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Waste to Resource: Materials Recovery at Monash Residential Village ♻️

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As a student living at the Monash Residential Village, situated on the Jock Marshal Reserve, I get to experience first-hand the various ways our accommodations are designed to facilitate and encourage sustainable living. For example; every stairwell, floor and common space in our Halls has separate “red” and “yellow” bins to ensure the proper segregation of waste, thereby reducing the volume of discarded items that end up in landfill.

However, after living at Roberts Hall for two semesters, I have observed that many items discarded into the yellow (recycling) bins face two critical outcomes: a) they are hard to recover (and/or separate) and therefore, end up in landfill anyway or b) they have the potential to be reabsorbed into our economy and society as valuable resources promoting circularity.

In light of this observation and my will to create meaningful impact during my time at Monash, I commit to designing and implementing an achievable Materials Recovery program across Roberts Hall. In the following paragraphs, I list my pledges and explain how I hope achieve on-ground success.

💭 One of the first steps in workshopping my intervention idea was identifying the type of materials that are commonly discarded but have high potential to be recovered. This involved real-world introspection, engaging with my Hall mates and waste collection staff as well as conducting preliminary research into local and viable recovery pathways. The materials identified were: plastic bread tags, empty beauty containers and stationary waste. While plastic bread tags are hard to recycle because they’re made out of polypropylene (which is hard to recover through kerbside recycling), stationary waste includes hard-to-separate materials. All of these, however, have a high potential to be reabsorbed into the economy.

👉🏻 For my Green Step, I pledge to set up easily accessible collection baskets in kitchens, common showers and study rooms to collect bread tags, empty containers and stationary waste respectively and raise awareness about how we can further the life-cycle of these materials. I can request Campus Sustainability or Monash Residential Service (MRS) offices to supply these baskets, or procure them on my own. Collection baskets will be accompanied by attractive, engaging posters that visually communicate the need to give these materials a new life as well as the positive impact this will create on people and planet. QR codes will also be embedded into these posters, leading to carefully structured surveys (that are easy to comprehend and fill), which will help me collect insights into student behaviours and perceptions. The objective of this is to continually collect data that could support adaptive learning.

👉🏽 I pledge to take collected waste to local resource recovery facilities throughout the semester to ensure that they are reabsorbed and converted into valuable resources. Biome (located at T14 Burwood Brickworks) is one such facility that diverts hard-to-recycle materials from landfill. Not only do they accept plastic bread tags, they donate these to “Bread Tags for Wheelchairs”, an organization that sells these tags to earn proceeds which go towards securing wheelchairs for those in need. Therefore, as a spillover effect, this also supports equity and accessibility. TerraCycle and Oxfam at Monash are similar facilities.

👉🏾I pledge to leverage my networks to foster collaborations and work with my Resident Advisors, College Head, MRS Offices and the other groups I am a member of, such as Monash Association of Sustainability (MAS) to raise awareness about the program and ensure its successful execution.

👉🏿 I pledge to collect evidence of students’ receptiveness towards the initiative as well as the volume of materials donated and recovered to monitor the outputs and outcomes of my Green Step. This will also help me understand how to design the most effective strategies to meet my targets and enable learning-by-doing.

In this manner, I aim to do my bit in promoting circularity on campus while learning how to effect tangible, real-world success. The steps I take correspond to SDG 12: Responsible Production and Consumption and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. This challenge will also help me develop a deeper understanding of behavioral science for systems change while harnessing "partnership power" to create a program that is achievable and scalable in the future.