Ever wondered which bin on campus your sandwich bag should go in? Julie Huynh is making it her mission to educate staff and students on how we can all play a part in caring for the environment through initiatives like the Sustainability Buzz Newsletter and Flinders’ first-ever Sustainability Week!
What is your role here at Flinders?
I’m the Sustainability Officer within Property, Facilities and Development. In my role, I focus on waste management and engagement initiatives that support the Flinders 2030 Sustainability Strategy. I also collaborate with and support various sustainability working groups across the University’s colleges and portfolios.
How did you get into this work?
I’ve always cared about the environment, and witnessing the impacts of overconsumption, biodiversity loss, and climate change made me realise how important it is for us to collectively take meaningful action. This motivated me to study Environmental Policy and Management. In the final year of my degree, I worked at KESAB as both a waste auditor and a resource recovery educator. This role involved engaging with communities to promote the circular economy and educate people on how to correctly use South Australia’s waste and recycling systems. In early 2023, I began my current role, which I thoroughly enjoy as it aligns closely with my values and passion for sustainability.
What are you working on at the moment?
I’m currently organising our first-ever Sustainability Week to engage both students and staff in raising awareness and inspiring action on sustainability. The week will feature a variety of interactive workshops and activities like the community swap market, DIY beeswax wraps, cooking consciously with food scraps, wildlife friendly gardens and many more! I’m also providing waste education to the broader university community through the In Which Bin game (get in touch to book a session – sustainability@flinders.edu.au) and writing the Sustainability Buzz Newsletter.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I like volunteering with my climate action group to provide the community with advice on how to make their homes more sustainable and reduce energy bills. I also like to do yoga, go hiking, and treasure hunt at op-shops.
Do you have a sustainability or recycling tip you could share that we could all integrate into our everyday lives?
If you have any broken items, don’t throw them away or replace them immediately. Instead, take them to your local repair café, where a skilled group of volunteers can help fix them. Over the years, I’ve been able to repair many things, including clothing, electronics, and even my squeaky bike brakes. This not only helps divert waste from landfill but it has also saved me a lot of money!