What does it mean to transfer sustainability from an abstract principle into an actionable reality? For the past two years, I have had the privilege of exploring this question as a Green Office (GO) Ambassador at the University of Groningen. The volunteering programme within my respective Law Faculty Embassy has proven to be rewarding and inspiring. In doing so, it offered me the opportunity to connect with committed peers, collaborate with professionals, and promote initiatives that make a visible difference in our student life.

Being a GO Ambassador has gradually reshaped how I view sustainability. Having held various active positions, I gained a deeper appreciation for how it can influence our choices when engaging with the world around us. What began as a simple interest became a means to get involved in ways that felt hands-on, and surprisingly impactful. I learned that change does not have to start big, as it often grows from everyday actions!

A Platform for Practical Change

When I first joined the Ambassador Programme, I expected a mere supportive role in awareness campaigns. As a law student myself, I was not unfamiliar with policies within higher education institutions such as the “Smoke-Free Campus” and “Waste Separation” - expanded through the, at times, unpopular with students “Bring Your Own” cup initiative to phase out disposable cup use. Nonetheless, I was pleasantly surprised to take a more dynamic position by organising interdisciplinary events that promote green habits within the academic environment and past it. Ranging from lectures and film screenings, swapping and upcycling activities, to sewing, seasonal decoration-making and even plant-based cooking workshops, each action I was involved in proved to me that sustainability is not a mere legal concept, but a practice that thrives in community.

Earth Day Commemoration: A Week of Collective Commitment

Among the highlights of my experience, the Earth Day Commemoration stands out. Celebrated annually on April 22, Earth Day marks the birth of the modern environmental movement and inspires global action to protect our planet. For the third consecutive year, the Law GO Faculty Embassy helped organize a full week of activities to celebrate the occasion; after all, each of us is a lifetime member, and it is only fitting that we join in.

Connecting Ideas

This year's iteration of Earth Week’s centrepiece was definitely the Green Symposium. It brought together four guest speakers to discuss diverse themes, namely the EU Emissions Trading System, solar-powered technologies, green gardening, and conservation-based research. The event concluded with a networking reception where the attendees connected directly with experts in law, agriculture, biodiversity preservation, and communication on emerging technologies. Importantly, it was organized in collaboration with the Zernike Campus GO Embassy, reflecting how inter-embassy partnerships make larger scale projects like these possible.

Sustainability in Debate

Another personal favourite was a debate on European green policies, corporate responsibility, and whether sustainability should be integrated into business. The event began with introductory presentations by the Embassy Chair and a professional expert in human rights and energy law. Two student teams then engaged in a structured discussion, while the audience joined in with questions and perspectives. Organized in collaboration with the Nexus Student Association, it was a great example of the GO’s regular work with external partners. That said, we shaped the focus of the conversation, while Nexus’ Debate Committee ensured everything ran smoothly, creating a thought-provoking experience for everyone involved.

Learning Through Engagement

To complement the more formal events, we also experimented with creative formats, such as the Sustainability Pub Quiz. Teams competed in rounds of questions covering global and local issues, with prizes awarded in the form of potted plants, a symbolic reminder of the evening. This activity revolved around the fact that raising awareness can be accessible and interactive, meeting students where they are. Moreover, the participants connected over sustainably sourced snacks and beverages, since being eco-friendly often tastes just as good as it sounds!

Conclusion

Finally, volunteering as a GO Ambassador has been an enriching part of my academic journey. It has provided me with a forum to work alongside people from different disciplines, all driven by similar values, and to learn by doing, rather than just observing. To any student considering it, I cannot recommend it enough! Beyond the skills and projects, it is the perfect chance to be part of a community working to make sustainability a living part of university life - not just for now, but for the future.

Hello! My name is Maria and I’m a bachelor student enrolled in the LLB International and European Law program. Originally from a small but industrially active town in Romania, I grew up familiar with the issues of environmental pollution and decline in quality of life from a young age. This background sparked my passion for sustainability, especially in areas such as climate advocacy and the environmental impacts of emerging technologies. I find joy in educating both myself and others on green topics in any meaningful way I can come up with!