Partner
Green Office VU
Contact: Andrew Vanderleek
Description
Join the VU Green Office in reducing food waste!
The VU Green Office is a student-led sustainability platform at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Their mission is to make a substantial and sustainable impact by working together with the university and its students. This year, they are focusing on the theme of reducing food waste. To reach this goal, the Green Office wants to commission a student research project. Will you be part of this mission?
What will you do?
As part of this student-led research project, you will help identify effective strategies to reduce food waste on campus. The project is open-ended, so you will have some freedom to shape the project to your interests.
Possible directions include:
- Conduct interviews or surveys with students and staff to understand food waste habits, attitudes, and barriers to reducing waste.
- Measure food waste in campus dining areas, classrooms, and residences to track common sources and types of waste.
- Develop a campaign to raise awareness of food waste, educating staff and students on the environmental impact and simple ways to reduce waste in their daily lives
- Investigate how behavioural nudges, such as smaller plate sizes or improved food labelling, could impact food waste levels
- Develop and test sustainable meal-prep and storage guidelines for students living on and off-campus to help them reduce food waste in their personal kitchens
Requirements
- Current bachelor’s or master’s students at the VU Amsterdam
- A passion for sustainability and improving the university community
Practical details
- Language: English speaking and writing proficiency
- Location: Some on-campus work will be required, but you may also spend some time working remotely. A workspace is available at the Green Office during open hours
- Hours and duration: Flexible, depending on thesis requirements
- Publication: If your thesis receives a grade of 7.5 or higher, you may submit your research to the VU's Science for Sustainability open-access journal for the opportunity to be published
Interested? Apply now below! Further questions can be addresssed to research@greenofficevu.nl