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My Green Lab project leads
More green projects take root at Laurier with support from Sustainable Hawk Fund
July 12, 2023
Print | PDFEight new student and staff-led projects will come to life on Wilfrid Laurier University’s campuses thanks to funding from the Sustainable Hawk Fund.
Established in 2015, the Sustainable Hawk Fund has provided more than $154,000 to 48 projects designed to address sustainability issues at Laurier’s campuses and locations. During the past seven funding cycles, student- and employee-led projects focused on sustainability awareness, waste diversion, low-impact development, menstrual equity and food security, among others, have been implemented.
“The Sustainable Hawk Fund enables the Laurier community to create and implement environmental, social and financial sustainability projects as part of campus life,” says Dan McGregor, outreach and programs officer with Laurier’s Sustainability Office. “The projects have been a great way to enhance interdepartmental and student collaborations while building capacity for new sustainability programming.”
The Sustainable Hawk Fund will support the following eight projects, selected by Laurier’s sustainable campus committee, throughout the fall 2023 and winter 2024 semesters. Follow the Sustainability Office on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for details on the following projects.
My Green Lab Certification for Science Research Laboratories
The My Green Lab Certification project aims to introduce sustainable processes into science and research laboratories at Laurier. Recently piloted at Laurier's Cold Regions Research Centre, the non-credit certificate supports a culture of sustainability by exploring new processes and technologies, sourcing sustainable products, procuring less harmful materials, and reducing waste, energy and water consumption.
We Brought What You Forgot
The We Brought What You Forgot project provides Laurier students moving back to campus with more sustainable choices for household items including laundry detergent, menstrual care products and hygiene items. Items will be available during pop-up events at Laurier's Waterloo campus. The project will also provide informative resources to students looking to make more sustainable purchases.
Formula RC-E Car Race
The Formula RC-E Car Race project will engage students in a 12-hour race of radio-controlled electric cars with limited battery lives. Battery changes will be conducted by robots that students must design and build. The project challenges students to create innovative and sustainable solutions to real-world problems.
Make and Take Mason Jar Meals
The Make and Take Mason Jar Meals event series will provide students an opportunity to make their own meals while learning about food security, budgeting and nutrition. The project addresses physical, mental and financial wellness on campus through the promotion of social sharing, mutual aid and raising awareness about intersectional issues.
3 Cycle
The 3 Cycle project aims to recycle scrap materials and plastic waste created by 3D printers at Laurier and within the local community. The recycled waste will be processed into new materials to introduce a circular supply chain.
Kits for People Experiencing Houselessness
The Kits for People Experiencing Houselessness project will distribute kits to people experiencing homelessness in Brantford. Kits contain items to support physical and mental well-being and will be distributed by Laurier Social Work students working in community-based placements.
E-waste and Critical Minerals Recycling
The E-waste and Critical Minerals Recycling project focuses on refurbishing electronic waste and making it usable by students seeking affordable, second-hand electronics. The project will also aim to create more awareness about e-waste recycling at Laurier and in the local community.
Robotic Jellyfish Sustainable Workshops
The Robotic Jellyfish project aims to teach students about building robots through sustainable, cost-effective methods. Through a series of hands-on workshops, students will salvage and build new technology, with the series culminating in the creation of a large robotic jellyfish.