Green Together: A fresh take on climate action with Manchester’s community at its heart 

Chemical Engineering Outreach Research Social responsibility 24th April 2024

Let’s be honest, conversations on climate change can sometimes feel like information overload. The doom and gloom can be scary, confusing, and not to mention unproductive. Without science-backed facts and a sense of unity, it can all leave us feeling rather lost within the noise, right? Chuck in some ‘greenwashing’ and suddenly it’s impossible to see what’s genuine and what’s just all for show. 

Our story of Green Together is quite different. A tale of transformation, education, and collectivism, we lay our scene at Manchester’s Central Library across 22, 23 and 24 of February. Organised by the Faculty of Science and Engineering, the event embodied ideals of sustainable lifestyle adaptation, and while the set may be dressed in faux fruit and vegetables, these actions are far from fictional.

Dr. Wennie Subramonian is a Lecturer of Chemical Engineering in the department of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science and is one of the academics supporting the initiative. She says, “Our aim is to demystify the science of carbon emissions reduction. It’s about bringing the abstract into the tangible, everyday decisions we all make. We’re not just imparting knowledge; we’re inviting participation.”

Green Together was not your run-of-the-mill conference. It featured hands-on and interactive activities, from plant-your-own vegetables and microfiber microscopes to a carbon calculator stall from Wennie and her team of enthusiastic student volunteers. Their grocery shopping experience showcased the carbon output of different foods, fresh produce, and personal care products. 

Wennie recalls many of the participants’ bemused reactions to their personal carbon footprint. She says, “They were surprised to see how choosing soft cheese over hard cheese every other week could significantly cut down emissions. It’s these little switches that can make a big difference.”

To run this activity, Wennie used CCaLC Lite, an interactive app with the basis of carbon footprint estimating software, which was developed in-house by Prof Azapagic at the Department of Chemical Engineering. The software simplifies carbon footprint calculations, offering a general idea of personal carbon emissions. The use of the app was repurposed into an outreach activity  by Dr. Cuéllar-Franca and Dr. Stamford, both members of the Sustainable Industrial System’s research group. Wennie says, “Through this game, participants could see in real-time how different choices impacted their carbon emissions. It was a revelation for many.” 

The benefits of switching from the carbon-intensive tumble dryer to air-drying was a prime example. “When people saw the real numbers, not only generating more carbon emissions but it also hurting their bills, they finally became aware of the urgency in reducing these carbon-emitting activities.”

“This simulation wasn’t just a showcase of innovation; it was an embodiment of dialogical science communication. By inviting audience participation, the event fostered a two-way conversation; an exchange where skepticism could be met with solid proof and open discussion.”

Making Smarter, Greener (and Cheaper) Choices 

Beyond carbon footprints, Green Together was also a deep dive into how we, as a society, approach consumption. The event highlighted the hidden environmental impact of certain products, like tomatoes when grown in heated greenhouses in the UK. Wennie says, “Choosing imported tomatoes might seem counterintuitive, but it can be more eco-friendly in our case… it’s all about knowing the full story.”  

This ‘bigger picture’ includes education on dairy products, with Wennie advocating for smarter, not necessarily fewer, dairy choices. “You don’t have to give up dairy. Just try plant-based options now and then. It’s about balance,” she insists, addressing a common dilemma among environmentally conscious consumers.

Rethinking Chemical Engineering within Sustainability

Wennie’s approach extends beyond a single event. She’s redefining how chemical engineering can contribute to sustainable development. “We’re shifting the narrative from traditional industries like oil and gas or petrochemicals to a broader, more inclusive view. Chemical engineering today is as much about renewable energy, sustainable processes, and making a real difference,” she says. 

Green Together demonstrates how scientific knowledge can be efficiently presented to the public. It highlights chemical engineering’s potential beyond conventional beliefs, emphasizing its importance in sustainable processes, renewable energy, and waste management. These types of events are crucial in informing and inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Following its success, Wennie already has other sustainability events in the pipeline, “We have Rochdale Science Extravaganza coming up in May, where we’ll run similar activities. It’s all about widening the net, reaching more people, and sparking that crucial dialogue.”

More Than a Moment 

Green Together is not just an event, it’s a beacon of hope and a call to action. Buzzing with innovation and optimism, its message is clear: every individual has a role to play and every action, no matter how small, counts towards a greener, more sustainable future.

“It’s one thing to tell someone about carbon emissions, but it’s another to let them discover it for themselves. This way, even skeptics can’t deny the impact of their daily choices,” Wennie says. 

“We’re all part of this planet, and it’s our collective responsibility to care for it. Every small action, every conscious decision, matters. You have the power to drive change and to be the hero in this story of sustainability. It’s not just about what we can do today but what we must do for our tomorrow,” she concludes.

Words by Faustina Martha.

Chemical Engineeringclimate changeoutreachsocial responsibilitysustainability