NUIGSU sustainable mondays campaign

The University of Galway Students' Union won Sustainability and Environmental Campaign of the Year at the 2022 SAAI awards, thanks to their successful "Sustainable Mondays" initiative.

Over the past year 3,000 keep cups and 7,000 reusable tote bags were given to students. The SU carried out monthly beach clean-ups, succeeded in making more vegan options available on campus, organised second-hand clothing sales and much more.

Thanks to the election of the SU's first ever Sustainability Officer this year, we look forward to seeing what the next year has to offer!

AY 2021/2022 highlights

  • Thousands of resuable items were distriibuted including face masks, coffee cups and tote bags to help combat single-use plastics
  • Monthly group beach cleans on numerous beaches around Galway
  • "Walk & Talks" allowed students to meet others throughout semester 1
  • A lab coat and goggles recycling drive in September saved many items destined for the bin
  • Every Monday in February vegan sausage rolls were available for 75 cents for SU card holders in Smokey’s Café and Sult 
  • Vintage clothes fairs and a charity clothes drive encouraged students to avoid fast fashion
  • Numerous events to highlight Mental Health Week in November
  • Supported the launch of NUI Galway Student Pantry
  • Smarter Travel team cycle challenge, Marchathon and Walktober encouraged students to keep active
  • €11,000 raised for Galway rape crisis ad BeLonG
  • Free antigen tests were distributed to combat the spread of COVID-19
  • International day of persons with disabilities was marked with a disability rights clinic, an ISL workshop & a disability experience workshop
  • JAM card was launched with the university
  • Free high-visibility vests were distributed during road safety week in November to encourge safe cycling
  • Free "stress buster" workouts with Wilder Wellbeing before Christmas Exams encourged students to keep active during study season
  • The SU joined Fridays for Future Galwayu at their Climate Strike in Eyre Square