Impacts and Benefits

• Led the Choose to Reuse Plate Program, diverting over 800,000 items from landfill since its inception.
• Implemented the Green Caffeen reusable swap cup system, preventing 8500 disposable cups from reaching landfill.
• Established the first ACTS Circular Economy Group to promote shared learning and collaboration across institutions.

Leadership and Engagement

• Created and managed the University’s first Sustainability Student Volunteering program, engaging 700 students who completed nearly 4000 hours of volunteering.
• Coordinated the Melbourne Farmers Market on campus, securing a $15,000 grant to revive the market post-COVID, supporting local farmers and sustainable practices.
• Developed and implemented the Choose to Reuse Events Service, facilitating over 200 sustainable events and diverting 55,000 items from landfill.

Wider Societal Impact

• Partnered with Brainwave Bikes to provide affordable, second-hand bicycles to students and staff, supporting sustainable transport options.
• Conducted the University’s first waste audit since 2019, leading to a comprehensive Waste to Landfill Strategy and securing $100,000 for expanded organics and cardboard collection.
• Implemented the Litter Looker app in partnership with Shrunk, conducting 130 waste audits to identify and address contamination issues.

Achievements

• Choose to Reuse Plate Program has become a model for other universities, with site tours and a masterclass hosted for 100 attendees, influencing $622,000 in funding for similar initiatives.
• Waste Hub at the Student Precinct now diverts 70% of waste from landfill, with 20,000 kg of organic waste diverted since March 2023.
• Developed a reuse vending machine providing affordable, sustainable items like keep cups and water bottles, with over 400 items sold.