October is Sustainability Month

Sustainability is about ensuring that there will continue to be resources and prosperity for generations to come. Our University has committed itself in taking the steps outlined in our Campus Sustainability Plan and Climate Change Action Plan to transition this institution into one that meets the needs of our planet. We also aim to support the global movement towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

This month is about coming together to strengthen our community, as part of the global community, while taking measures to reduce our resource consumption, learn new things and enjoy our individual sustainable journeys. Various groups on both campuses will be hosting events throughout the month. We are excited to enjoy these events with everyone at UNB.

Week 1

UNBSU Sustainability Week 

Sustainability trivia

Oct. 3, 7 p.m. | Cellar Pub

Think you know a thing or two about sustainability? Come test your knowledge at our sustainability trivia night hosted by the SU. Get ready to challenge your understanding of environmental issues, conservation practices and sustainable solutions. Prizes will be provided.

Paint and plant

Oct. 4, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | SUB Ballroom

Join us for another paint and plant event. Unleash your creativity while embracing nature at this hands-on event where you can paint your very own plant pots and select a free plant to bring home. Paint, plant, and take home a little piece of green to brighten your living space and inspire a greener campus environment.

Limited supplies available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early to secure your spot and ensure a plant-filled experience you won't want to miss.

DIY scrunchies

Oct. 4, 6. – 8 p.m. | Fab Lab

Get ready to join us for a delightful and eco-conscious DIY scrunchie event that brings together fashion, creativity and sustainability. This event is designed to cater to all skill levels, whether you're an experienced DIY enthusiast or embarking on your very first crafting adventure. Join us for a fun-filled gathering where we'll guide you through the process of making your very own eco-friendly scrunchies.

Sustainability networking fair

Oct. 5, 1 - 4 p.m. | SUB Ballroom

Various organizations and businesses will attend booths to talk about their sustainability-minded careers, programs, products and opportunities with students. The event will connect students with sustainable professionals that may be an asset to professional development, personal sustainability and community awareness. We have invited groups of many disciplines, so no matter your field of study, be sure to stop by.


Beeswax wrap workshop

Oct. 3, 3 - 6:30 p.m. | Canada Rivers Institute room 222

Come and make your own beeswax wrap, a reusable alternative to plastic wrap.

While supplies last.


Week 2

Clothing swap

Drop off | Oct. 10 and 11, 12 - 4 p.m. | Cellar Landing
Pick up | Oct. 12, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. | SUB Ballroom

Exchange your unwanted clothing for a new old style. Bring washed clothing in decent condition to donate at the Cellar Landing and come to the Ballroom to pick from what was brought in.


Sustainability networking fair

Oct. 11, 1 - 4 p.m. | The hallway of the G. Forbes Elliot Athletics Centre

Various organizations and businesses will attend booths to talk about their sustainability-minded careers, programs, products and opportunities with students.

The event will connect students with sustainable professionals that may be an asset to professional development, personal sustainability and community awareness.

We have invited groups of many disciplines, so no matter your field of study, be sure to stop by.

Community garden clean-up

Oct. 13, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | UNBSJ Community Garden

The UNBSJ Community Garden is preparing to close up for the winter. Roll up your sleeves, work off some stress, and get your hands dirty by helping to pull up plants, turn over plots for the winter, clear out pathways and turn over compost bins.


Week 3

Beeswax wrap workshop

Oct. 16, 4 - 7 p.m. | Fab Lab

Come and make your own beeswax wrap, a reusable alternative to plastic wrap.

While supplies last.

Tote bag painting

Oct. 18, 6 - 8 p.m. | Fab Lab

Paint your own reusable tote bag in the Fab Lab to reduce your plastic waste. Stencils available.

While supplies last.


Clothing swap

Drop off | Oct. 16, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Lobby outside Whitebone Pizzeria
Pick up | Oct. 17, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Ganong Hall Lobby

The SRC and Sustainability Office are holding a clothing swap. On Oct. 16, bring your washed unwanted clothing in decent condition to donate outside the Whitebone Pizzeria in the Thomas J. Condon Student Centre. Then, on Oct. 17, come pick out some donated items at the Ganong Hall Lobby.


Week 4

Winter clothing drop-off

Oct. 24, 10 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. | SUB Ballroom

The International Student Advisor's Office is looking for winterwear donations for international students who are in need of warm clothing for the colder seasons. If you're interested in donating clean, gently used winter items such as hats, toques, mittens, gloves, scarves, jackets, coats, boots, etc. please drop them off at the Student Union Building, Ballroom on Tuesday, Oct. 24 between 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Trail clean-up

Oct. 24, 2:30 p.m. | Bottom of stairs of Kinesiology Building

Come join the KIN Socity, Tuesday Oct. 24 at 2:30 in helping clean-up our community. Prizes will be given for the weirdest garbage item found, funniest garbage item found and most garbage collected.

Winter clothing pick-up

Oct. 25, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. | SUB Ballroom

Canadian winters can be incredibly frigid, so it's important that we all dress warm. The International Student Advisor's Office will be distributing donated winter items in the Ballroom of the Student Union Building, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. This is on a first come first serve basis, prioritizing freshmen and students who have just arrived in Canada this year.


SRC Hallo-Green Week

BYOB "bring-your-own-bowl", The Lorax movie night

Oct. 23, 8 - 10 p.m. | Gymnasium

Kick off the hallo-green week with a environmentally conscious movie night featuring "The Lorax." But here's the twist - BYOB. Bring your own bowl for popcorn and let's cut down on single-use containers. We're turning the gym into a cozy haven where you can enjoy a film with friends while promoting a greener lifestyle.

Upcycle thrift event with the Kindness Closet and Women in Business

Oct. 24, 6 - 8 p.m. | Whitebone Pizzeria

Collaborate with the Kindness Closet and Women in Business for a one-of-a-kind upcycling experience. Bring along a thrifted clothing item and channel your creativity. Utilize a heat press or fabric paint to transform your thrifts into personalized pieces. This event provides an excellent chance to refresh a piece of your wardrobe sustainably.

Pumpkin painting and carving with the Psych Society

Oct. 25, 2 - 4 p.m. | Whitebone Pizzeria

Get into the fall spirit with the Psych Society's pumpkin painting and carving. Unleash your creativity as we transform pumpkins from a Saint John local pumpkin patch into stunning works of art. Join us in the spirit of fall and let's turn these pumpkins into beautiful decorations, all while reducing waste in a fun and artistic way.

Limited supplies available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early to secure your spot.

Green trivia night with pizza

Oct. 26, 7 p.m. | Whitebone Pizzeria

Test your knowledge on all things green and sustainable at our trivia night. Grab some chips and salsa, challenge your friends, and enjoy an evening filled with laughter and learning. Sustainable prizes for the champions, ensuring that your wins contribute to a better planet.

Campus clean-up

Oct. 27, 1 - 3 p.m. | Whitebone Pizzeria

Meet the Green Society and Global Medical Brigades outside the pizzeria at 1 p.m. to clean up the campus during Sustainability Month. Clean-up materials will be provided. Free coffee, tea and cookies afterwards.


Contact us

Have questions about Sustainability Month? Contact our office at sustain@unb.ca for more information.