How can sustainability be put into practice in everyday university life? The Sustainability Day on 19 October demonstrated through a wide range of hands-on activities, information opportunities and inspiring initiatives how everyone can make a contribution.

As a university, we have a responsibility not only to impart and generate knowledge, but also to consider how we shape our future. Researching and discussing sustainability is just as important as putting it into practice in everyday university life. This requires committed individuals, innovative ideas and a willingness to explore new paths together.

The programme offered numerous opportunities to discover new ideas and get actively involved. At information stands hosted by Green Campus, Plant Based Universities and the Students’ Union Environmental Office, visitors could learn about various initiatives and take part in a prize draw. Practical activities included a free bicycle service, helping participants prepare their bikes for winter, and a Repair Café, where broken items could be repaired and given a second life. In the workshop “From Forest Bathing in Times of Global Crisis”, Dr Lena Ramstetter explored how we can cope with difficult emotions in the face of global challenges. Green Labs Austria presented an online lecture showing how laboratory resources can be used more consciously and working processes designed in a more environmentally friendly way.

Fair fashion and responsible consumption were key themes throughout the day. During the clothes swap, well-preserved garments changed hands and found new homes. An exhibition by Südwind highlighted the social and environmental consequences of fast fashion and encouraged visitors to reflect on their own consumption habits. The Green Cinema complemented this focus with a screening of the documentary “Fashion Reimagined”, which illustrates how sustainable alternatives can emerge within the fashion industry. The importance of food choices was also highlighted through the Veggie Day at the NLW cafeteria, where all vegetarian main courses were discounted by two euros.

The day made one thing clear: a sustainable university is not created by strategies and good intentions alone. It depends above all on people taking responsibility and working together to bring about change.

A heartfelt thank you goes to all participants and initiatives who helped shape the Sustainability Day and whose commitment demonstrated how sustainability can be put into practice at the University of Salzburg.

 More photos from the event are available in the Flickr album.