List of Sustainable Actions
List of Sustainable Actions
| Date/Time | Department | Name | Occupation | Description | SDG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025年04月22日 | College of Business and Public Management | YanChen | student | 1. Old jeans can be transformed into handbags or pencil cases. The brand provides cutting templates and teaching videos. 2. Recycled shampoo bottles can be turned into environmentally friendly night lights with bottle light DIY bags 3. The works made of old T-shirts into carpets are exhibited at the market. The author shares his production experience. |
Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production |
| 2025年04月22日 | College of Liberal Arts | ZiyueLyu | student | Establishing a “SkillSwap for Future” Platform to Support Students in Need through Peer-to-Peer Skill Exchange At Wenzhou-Kean University, a “SkillSwap for Future” platform can be launched to encourage students to support each other by exchanging skills instead of money. The aim is to help economically disadvantaged students access resources, build confidence, and improve their practical abilities while promoting a culture of mutual support and sustainability on campus. Core Concept Replace financial transactions with skill-sharing, allowing every student to "give what they’re good at and receive what they need." Examples of Skill Swaps A student proficient in academic writing can help another edit an essay in exchange for professional portrait photography. A financially struggling student could offer painting, video editing, translation, public speaking, or errand-running in return for class notes, tutoring, or interview coaching. Special tags such as "Support First" will be used to prioritize matches involving students from low-income backgrounds. Implementation Use a WeChat Mini Program, campus website, or weekly bulletin to publish a “Skill Supply & Need List.” Collaborate with the Student Union and the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center to run the platform. Recruit volunteers to serve as “Skill Matchmakers” to ensure fair and effective exchanges. Host a “Skill Festival” each semester to showcase successful swaps and recognize outstanding participants. Expected Impact Lower barriers to access resources and experiences. Empower students in financial need through active contribution and community recognition. Foster a spirit of cooperation, self-reliance, and sustainable social engagement on campus. |
Goal 1: No Poverty |
| 2025年04月22日 | College of Liberal Arts | ZiyueLyu | student | “WKU Micro Farm Project” – Grow Sustainability and Hope with Just One Square Meter At Wenzhou-Kean University, we propose the “WKU Micro Farm Project,” an initiative that transforms unused campus spaces—such as rooftops, balconies, and green corners—into small edible gardens. Students and faculty volunteers will grow herbs and vegetables in micro plots (as small as one square meter), promoting food sustainability while supporting students in need. Core Features: Use eco-friendly containers (e.g., recycled wooden boxes or old pots) to build garden plots; each participant is responsible for one square meter. Suggested crops: lettuce, tomatoes, scallions, mint, chili peppers—easy to grow and maintain. Organize planting workshops to teach participants about sustainable agriculture, soil care, and plant nutrition. The harvested produce can be: Donated to students facing financial difficulties (coordinated by the Student Affairs Office), Used in a “Campus Shared Kitchen Day” where students cook healthy meals together, Or sold during charity markets to raise funds for improving school lunches in rural communities. Expected Impact: Raise awareness about food origins, hunger, and sustainability. Provide fresh, healthy food to those in need on campus. Create a “farmable campus” atmosphere that blends nature and learning. Integrate environmental education, community service, and student engagement into a long-term, scalable program. |
Goal 2: Zero hunger |
| 2025年04月22日 | College of Liberal Arts | ZiyueLyu | student | “WKU Nature Therapy” – Harnessing Nature for Mental and Physical Well-being To improve student well-being, Wenzhou-Kean University can implement a “WKU Nature Therapy” program that connects students to nature through outdoor activities and mindfulness exercises, promoting both physical health and mental relaxation. This program aims to create a calming and restorative space in nature to help students cope with stress, improve their focus, and enhance their overall health. Key Components: Outdoor Nature Walks: Organize weekly guided nature walks around the campus green spaces or nearby parks. These walks will allow students to relax and disconnect from academic pressures while enjoying the healing effects of nature. During these walks, students will be encouraged to focus on their surroundings, breathe deeply, and practice mindfulness, reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. Forest Bathing (Shinrin Yoku): Implement forest bathing sessions, where students participate in mindfulness practices like breathing, slow walking, and meditation in the university’s green spaces or nearby forests. This Japanese-inspired practice is shown to reduce stress, boost mood, and improve mental clarity. Offer sessions led by trained mindfulness instructors to guide students through the experience. Outdoor Fitness Challenges: Organize outdoor fitness challenges that combine physical exercise with nature, such as “Yoga in the Park,” “Outdoor Boot Camps,” or “Nature Run Challenges.” These activities promote physical health, build community, and encourage students to spend more time outdoors. Reward participation with small incentives like wellness-related prizes or certificates. Mindfulness and Meditation Retreats: Host weekend mindfulness retreats in natural settings where students can focus on mental wellness through guided meditation, group discussions, and relaxation exercises. Provide opportunities for students to practice mindfulness techniques that they can incorporate into their daily routines, helping them deal with stress and emotional challenges more effectively. Gardening for Wellness: Establish community gardens on campus where students can participate in gardening activities. Gardening not only provides physical exercise but also offers therapeutic benefits by engaging students in nurturing plants and being present in the moment. Promote this as a way for students to disconnect from their studies and immerse themselves in a peaceful, hands-on activity that supports their mental health. Expected Impact: Foster mental and physical health by connecting students to nature and encouraging outdoor activities. Create an opportunity for students to build meaningful social connections through group activities like nature walks, fitness challenges, and gardening. Reduce stress and improve emotional well-being by providing accessible mindfulness and relaxation practices. Encourage long-term healthy habits by helping students develop a deeper appreciation for nature and wellness. |
Goal 3: Good health and well-being |
| 2025年04月22日 | College of Liberal Arts | ZiyueLyu | student | WKU Gender Equality Empowerment Hub” – A Center for Awareness, Advocacy, and Action To promote Gender Equality at Wenzhou-Kean University, we propose the creation of the “WKU Gender Equality Empowerment Hub”. This center will serve as a focal point for raising awareness, providing support, and promoting action toward achieving gender equality on campus. The hub will offer resources, training, and events designed to tackle gender-based discrimination, support women and gender minorities, and promote equal opportunities for all students and staff. Key Measures: Gender Equality Awareness and Advocacy Events: Action: Launch a series of awareness campaigns and advocacy events on topics such as gender stereotypes, workplace equality, and gender-based violence. These will include panel discussions, themed film screenings, and interactive workshops focused on dismantling gender norms and biases. Implementation: Organize these events in collaboration with external gender advocacy organizations, local experts, and international speakers. Students will be encouraged to participate as speakers, hosts, and facilitators to create a student-driven culture of activism. Gender Equality Leadership and Internship Program: Action: Create a leadership and internship program specifically designed to empower women and gender minorities in academic and professional settings. This program will provide mentorship, training, and internship opportunities for students in underrepresented fields such as STEM, business, and politics. Implementation: Partner with organizations, local businesses, and alumni to provide paid internships and career development programs for participants. Regular training workshops and leadership seminars will be conducted to enhance leadership skills and prepare students for career challenges. Gender-Inclusive Career Services: Action: Revamp the university's career services to provide gender-sensitive career counseling and job placement support. Focus on helping students overcome gender-related obstacles in their chosen fields, ensuring they have equal access to job opportunities and career resources. Implementation: Provide gender-specific workshops on resume writing, interview techniques, and networking strategies. Organize job fairs that include companies with strong gender equality policies and actively seek employers who prioritize diversity and inclusion. Inclusive Sports and Recreation Programs: Action: Launch inclusive sports and recreation programs that are accessible and welcoming to all genders, particularly targeting women and LGBTQ+ individuals. These programs will include team sports, fitness classes, and wellness activities designed to promote participation and break down gender barriers in physical activities. Implementation: Ensure the creation of mixed-gender teams and non-competitive sports options to encourage participation from all genders. Offer safe, supportive spaces where students can engage in physical activities without fear of discrimination or bias. Gender Equality Resource Center: Action: Establish a Gender Equality Resource Center within the university, offering counseling services, legal advice, and educational resources for students and staff who experience gender-based discrimination or harassment. Implementation: The center will provide confidential support for individuals who need assistance with gender-related issues. It will also serve as a hub for information on gender equality laws, policies, and campus resources. Awareness through Arts and Media: Action: Use arts and media to raise awareness about gender equality through student-led art exhibitions, theater performances, and social media campaigns. These initiatives will highlight gender inequality issues and promote inclusivity. Implementation: Organize an annual art and media festival that includes exhibitions of student-created art, photography, film screenings, and performances that tackle themes of gender equality, empowerment, and social justice. Expected Impact: Increased engagement in gender equality advocacy and awareness, with students actively participating in initiatives and campaigns. Empowered women and gender minorities who gain access to leadership opportunities, career resources, and internships, helping them succeed in traditionally underrepresented fields. More inclusive and supportive campus environment where students feel safe, respected, and encouraged to pursue their passions without gender-based limitations. Enhanced gender equality in sports and recreation, offering more opportunities for all genders to participate and lead. Better support systems for students facing gender-related challenges, with counseling and legal resources available to address issues such as harassment or discrimination. |
Goal 5: Gender equality |
| 2025年04月22日 | College of Business and Public Management | XiaoxiXu | student | The topic focuses on reducing ocean pollution by promoting sustainable practices in daily life. One approach is encouraging the use of biodegradable alternatives to plastic, such as plant-based packaging and reusable containers. Implementing coastal clean-up initiatives with community involvement can also help reduce waste entering the ocean. Additionally, supporting marine protected areas and responsible fishing practices ensures the preservation of aquatic ecosystems. Educating the public about the importance of reducing chemical runoff and conserving marine biodiversity will empower individuals to make more environmentally conscious choices, leading to healthier oceans. In addition, organizing “plastic-free” days or events where students are encouraged to bring reusable bottles, containers, and avoid single-use plastics can help foster a sustainable campus culture. Educational workshops could be held to inform students about the importance of protecting marine life and how their daily choices — like reducing plastic use or supporting sustainable seafood — directly impact the health of oceans. |
Goal 14: Life below water |
| 2025年04月22日 | College of Business and Public Management | XiaoxiXu | student | A Green Idea for achieving the SDG "Life on Land" in schools is to create a campus-wide tree planting and biodiversity restoration program. Schools can partner with local environmental organizations to plant native trees and plants on school grounds, creating green spaces that support local wildlife and improve air quality. Additionally, students can be actively involved in maintaining these spaces by organizing gardening clubs or environmental groups focused on sustainable landscaping practices. By educating students about the importance of biodiversity and land conservation, this initiative encourages them to become stewards of the environment and instills a sense of responsibility for the health of the planet. | Goal 15: Life on land |
| 2025年04月22日 | College of Business and Public Management | ZihanFeng | student | There are still many families in hungry areas around the world, suffering from hunger to varying degrees. To help to solve this problem, Wenzhou-kean University (WKU) can regularly holds charity sales. The goods can come from items that students no longer use, such as textbooks or school supplies, and some second-hand items. All the proceeds from the charity sales will be used to build the Wenzhou-Kean Farm and help the families in hungry areas, like buying foods to them or help them to get food. Some of the agricultural products from the Wenzhou-Kean Farm can also be used to help families in hungry areas. | Goal 2: Zero hunger |
| 2025年04月22日 | College of Business and Public Management | HuitaiCao | student | Project name: AlmostFresh 1. Core idea of the project: Let "wasted" food return to the market, so that consumers can eat cheaply and merchants can sell easily. 2. Background: Faced with the increasingly serious problem of food waste in cities, especially in the catering and baking industries, goods such as bread and cooked food have a short shelf life and are often forced to be discarded if they are not sold out on the same day. At the same time, more and more consumers, especially young people and urban workers, pursue "eating well and not expensive" in their diet; while merchants are facing operating pressures such as inventory backlogs and limited capital turnover. At a time when the concept of green consumption is constantly being advocated, reducing food waste has become a consensus for sustainable urban development. Therefore, creating an online platform that focuses on discounted sales of near-expiry foods can not only help merchants deal with food that is about to expire and reduce their operating burden, but also allow consumers to obtain high-quality food at a more favorable price, while promoting the implementation of environmental protection concepts, which can be said to kill two birds with one stone. 3. Solution: An online discount platform App for expiring food, connecting restaurants, bakeries, convenience stores and other merchants with consumers. 4. Main functions: Merchants: upload the expiring products of the day and set discounts (e.g. 50% discount) Users: view nearby "discounted expiring products" by geographic location, and can order online or pick up offline 5. Marketing: Campus promotion: cooperate with university canteens and convenience stores to promote student welfare Community marketing: Xiaohongshu and Weibo to carry out environmental protection check-in challenges #Eat expired food challenge# Cooperate with environmental protection organizations: enhance social influence Offline posters + QR code scanning: put them in subway stations, community bulletin boards, and bakery entrances |
Goal 2: Zero hunger |
| 2025年04月22日 | College of Business and Public Management | ZihanFeng | student | To promote the goal of to ensure affordable and clean energy, WKU can offer courses or workshops on renewable energy, energy policy, and sustainable engineering. Invite industry experts for guest lectures, which topic is about renewable energy. Not only that, WKU can also support the projects like student research about renewable energy, low-cost solar solutions for communities, and create a clean energy innovation lab to explore innovative solutions. Encouraging students to engage in the project, provide more financial support and credit rewards to help students. Professors are also encouraged to conduct research on clean energy and renewable energy, and encourage students to join this project together. | Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy |
| 2025年04月22日 | College of Business and Public Management | LohanZhou | student | In response to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), we plan to enhance students' health and reduce environmental burden through the "Campus Organic Cafeteria and Food Education Program". The specific actions include: collaborating with three nearby organic farms to directly supply fresh ingredients, thereby reducing carbon emissions from transportation; gradually replacing disposable tableware with reusable bamboo tools, and introducing rice husk lunch boxes and composting stations to handle kitchen waste. In terms of education, regular nutrition lectures and low-carbon cooking classes will be held, and students will be organized to design low-environmental impact recipes (with each serving's carbon footprint controlled within 300 grams or less). The excellent proposals will be incorporated into the cafeteria menu. At the same time, through discounts on plant-based meal items and environmental points rewards, students will be encouraged to participate in sustainable dietary practices. The expected goal is to reduce plastic usage by more than 60% within one year, gradually lower carbon emissions, and track students' dietary improvements and changes in physical and mental states through annual health questionnaires, promoting the campus to develop in a healthier and more environmentally friendly direction. | Goal 3: Good health and well-being |
| 2025年04月22日 | College of Business and Public Management | JiayingWu | student | SDG9 is “Industry, Innovation, Technology, and Infrastructure”. As students, we can also promote the construction of innovative infrastructure. I think students can conduct on-site investigations of the local infrastructure construction and propose aspects that can be improved. The construction of infrastructure needs to be sustainable and innovative, rather than “one-off” products. For instance, students from WKU can travel to various parts of Wenzhou, observe residential areas with less developed infrastructure, visit local residents and understand what aspects of their lives are not very convenient. Based on these problems, we still need to come up with corresponding solutions. Students can think innovatively, combine the local actual situation and conduct simulations using discarded materials. Students can also collaborate across disciplines. For example, students majoring in environmental science can analyze the local environment, students majoring in design can offer suggestions on the design of infrastructure, and students majoring in communication can write proposals and report to the government. We can continue visiting these residents and follow up on the project progress. |
Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, Technology and Infrastructure |
| 2025年04月22日 | College of Business and Public Management | XuwuZhao | student | To support sustainability at Wenzhou-Kean University, we propose implementing a regular clean-up routine at the Cainiao Express Station, with cardboard being removed weekly to prevent the accumulation of harmful substances like formaldehyde. The station will encourage students to bring their own reusable eco-friendly bags and carts for parcel collection, reducing the need for disposable packaging. Additionally, a parcel box recycling system will be put in place, allowing high-quality boxes to be reused multiple times, while damaged boxes will be promptly disposed of in designated bins. An awareness campaign will be launched to educate students on the importance of these practices, using posters and brief educational sessions to inform them about the environmental benefits. By actively promoting these sustainable actions, we aim to create a campus culture that prioritizes waste reduction and fosters environmental responsibility, encouraging students to play a role in protecting the environment. |
Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production |
| 2025年04月22日 | College of Business and Public Management | XuwuZhao | student | For the future buildings at Wenzhou-Kean University, the design budget should specifically account for the requirements of LEED certification, ensuring that sustainability is integrated into the planning and construction process. In the design phase, attention should be given to energy-efficient systems such as high-performance HVAC, advanced insulation, and the use of renewable energy sources like solar panels. Additionally, the selection of building materials should prioritize environmentally friendly options, including recycled, locally sourced, and low-emission materials. To further align with LEED standards, the campus should aim to reduce water consumption through low-flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, and drought-tolerant landscaping. Waste management during construction should focus on recycling and minimizing landfill waste. These initiatives will not only promote LEED-certified buildings but will also enhance the university's reputation as a leader in environmental stewardship and sustainability. |
Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities |
| 2025年04月22日 | College of Business and Public Management | XuwuZhao | student | At Wenzhou-Kean University, we are introducing a monthly "Vegetarian Day" as part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability and community awareness. On this day, students will be encouraged to reduce or eliminate meat consumption, a simple yet impactful action to lower carbon emissions. This initiative goes beyond merely offering plant-based meal. It aims to cultivate a broader understanding of the environmental and ethical considerations behind our food choices. We will collaborate with well-known local vegetarian restaurants in Wenzhou to provide diverse, high-quality, and culturally relevant plant-based meals. By making these options both accessible and appealing, we hope to challenge the traditional eating habits that contribute to higher carbon footprints and resource depletion. More than just a dietary change, this event is an opportunity to promote mindful eating, emphasizing the link between personal health and environmental sustainability. We aim to foster a campus culture that not only respects dietary diversity but also actively contributes to global efforts in reducing environmental impact, one meal at a time. |
Goal 3: Good health and well-being |
| 2025年04月22日 | College of Business and Public Management | LuohanZhou | student | On university campuses, we propose a creative yet practical set of sustainable actions. First, launch a “Green Challenge Month” through a mobile app, where students complete low-carbon tasks—such as biking, eating plant-based meals, or trading secondhand goods—to earn eco-points that can be redeemed for discounts at local vendors. Next, host a “Campus Circular Market” to collect unused books, electronics, and textiles, paired with DIY workshops where students upcycle waste into creative or useful products. A “Community Compost Farm” will turn cafeteria and landscaping waste into organic fertilizer for campus gardens and nearby farms. Smart waste-sorting bins and an IoT platform will track recycling data in real-time, with results displayed on screens and apps. A “Green Innovation Incubator” will support student-led environmental projects with up to $5,000 in seed funding, mentorship, and business guidance, while a digital material exchange platform will match surplus materials from businesses to student project needs. A “Green Employer” certification and student-run cooperatives will be backed by interest-free loans, democratic management training, and fair income-sharing systems. All actions will be publicly reported each quarter, promoting transparency and collaboration among students, the community, and local enterprises. This system not only builds green skills but brings circular economy innovation to campus and beyond, turning sustainability into real opportunities for work and growth. | Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth |
| 2025年04月22日 | College of Business and Public Management | ZhiXiao | student | As a business student at Wenzhou-Kean University, I believe our campus has great potential to contribute to SDG Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, not just through theory, but through action. One idea I propose is to gradually transform the university into a smart and sustainable campus. For example, we can install smart energy systems in classrooms and dormitories to monitor electricity use and reduce waste, while promoting renewable energy by adding solar panels to campus buildings. I also hope the university can establish a Green Innovation Lab—a space where students from different majors work together on sustainable startup ideas, participate in pitch competitions, and connect with local businesses. In terms of transportation, promoting the use of e-shuttles and encouraging bike-sharing on campus would reduce emissions and make movement more efficient. We can even explore sustainable logistics by partnering with eco-friendly delivery services around Wenzhou. To support all of this, the university should upgrade its digital infrastructure to reduce paper usage and encourage online collaboration, which aligns well with low-carbon operations. Finally, I think it’s crucial for our school to build deeper partnerships with local industries so that students can work on real sustainability challenges—such as modernizing factory operations or supporting green supply chains. These steps may seem small, but they can help make our university a living lab of innovation, and a model for how higher education can directly support the sustainable future we all want to see. | Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, Technology and Infrastructure |
| 2025年04月22日 | College of Liberal Arts | ZiyueLyu | student | Project Title: WKU Rainwater Collection & Reuse Pilot This project proposes the installation of a small-scale rainwater harvesting system on the rooftop of one selected WKU campus building—such as a dormitory or academic hall—as a pilot to promote water sustainability. The system will be equipped with gutters, a basic filtration unit, and a storage tank to safely collect and reuse rainwater for non-potable purposes. Practical Uses: The collected and filtered rainwater will be redirected for: Watering campus gardens, trees, and green spaces, especially during dry seasons Flushing toilets in nearby restrooms to reduce the use of treated tap water Outdoor cleaning of walkways or benches, and for heat control in summer Student Engagement: A student volunteer team (e.g., from Environmental Club or Sustainability Committee) will: Help with initial planning and site selection Collaborate with the WKU Facilities Department for system design and implementation Monitor water volume collected and reused via flow meters or simple data logging Analyze water-saving efficiency and share findings through monthly reports, posters, or social media campaigns Educational & Awareness Goals: The pilot will serve not only as a functional system, but also as a live demonstration tool to raise awareness about sustainable water management. A small display board or QR code at the site can show how the system works, how much water is being saved, and how students can apply similar principles in daily life. Long-term Vision: If the pilot proves successful and cost-effective, similar rainwater systems could be scaled up to other campus buildings. This aligns directly with UN SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, by promoting local-level water recycling and reducing pressure on municipal water supply. |
Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation |
| 2025年04月22日 | College of Liberal Arts | JiayueZhang | student | Student Rights & Reporting System This is an online platform where students can safely and anonymously report problems they face on campus—like unfair grading, dorm issues, or management concerns. This system helps build trust, fairness, and transparency between students and the university. It's all about finding a balance between student rights and campus rules—for long-term, sustainable development. Therefore more voice can be heard. The plan is simple. Either an official website under WKU or a survey that constantly collecting issues are applicable. Right now, although we have the student government fighting for our rights. It's limited in daily life, not acdemic and school policy aspect. For most of the time, policy maker have no chance to heard from students. This plantfrom can make communication happen. And, according to psychologist, once people feel they have the antunomy, their happiness will increase. Therefore, this plan can also rasie university students' happiness level. |
Goal 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions |
| 2025年04月22日 | College of Business and Public Management | ZihanFeng | student | To promote the SDG9, WKU can cooperate with the Wenzhou’s SMEs (small and medium enterprises) to develop some eco-friendly manufacturing processes or some waste-reduction technologies, realize school-enterprise cooperation. Encourage WKU’s students and professors to develop programs with these SMEs (small and medium enterprises). Launching a campus activity called “Maker Space”, provide 3D printers, AI tools and other equipment to help and support students and professors working together to explore and provide low-cost and eco-friendly infrastructure solutions. Not only that, collaborate with Wenzhou’s SMEs, offer internships for students and encourage students to work on industrial automation and eco-friendly economy projects in these SMEs. | Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, Technology and Infrastructure |
