Carpooling, weeds, pancakes: Sustainability Week brings students and staff together

It was organised with support from Lincoln University Students’ Association (LUSA), Lincoln Environmental Sustainability Society (LESS) and the Sustainability Action Group for the Environment (SAGE).

A key highlight was the Arboretum working bee, where more than 25 staff and students rolled up their sleeves to remove weeds and rubbish from the half-hectare green space. 

Sustainability Officer Patryk Szczerba said it was rewarding to see people step away from their usual work and come together for a hands-on project. 

“Seeing people come together to clear weeds and rubbish, and then being able to see the immediate results of a cleaner, weed-free Arboretum was incredibly rewarding.”

Sustainable transport was another major focus of the week. More than 100 people took part in a free pancake breakfast, with volunteers handing out over 200 pancakes to people who bussed, biked, walked, ran or carpooled to campus.

LUSA Sustainability Representative Coral Peat said there were many different options to make our lifestyles more sustainable.

"If everyone works together, we can create a positive change and a step towards a future with less waste, lower greenhouse gas emissions and more accessibility for everyone.”

Nomadic Cycles provided free servicing and repairs for 18 bicycles,

 promoting cycling as a sustainable and affordable travel option.

Students put their waste-sorting knowledge to the test at a sustainability stall, correctly sorting household rubbish, recycling and organic waste, followed by a Kahoot quiz.

Patryk said connecting with students through practical activities was an important part of building awareness around sustainability.

“Sustainability Week is a great way to engage students, build awareness, and give them practical opportunities to get involved.

“A big thank you to everyone involved in Sustainability Week 2026, from the organisers and volunteers to everyone who took part. It was fantastic to see so much enthusiasm and engagement from across campus.”