About the team
As part of Griffith University’s commitment to sustainability, the university has actively participated in the Green Impact program, using it as a framework to drive positive change on campus. Through Green Impact, the university established a Repair Café, a volunteer-led initiative that encourages students, staff, and the broader community to repair broken items instead of discarding them. This project directly supports waste reduction, resource conservation, and skill-sharing, aligning with the principles of a circular economy. The Griffith University Repair Café Green Impact team comprises of 5 dedicated staff and students who organise and run the repair Cafés across each of the Griffith University campuses. The team achieved a Gold award in 2024 as well as being awarded Overall Winners!
Guided by the Green Impact framework, Griffith University’s Repair Café provides free, community-based repair events where volunteers assist in fixing items, helping to extend their lifespan and keep them out of landfill. The initiative not only reduces waste and saves money but also fosters collaboration and knowledge-sharing among participants.
To develop the initiative within Green Impact, the team:
- Conducted awareness sessions to educate the campus community on sustainability and waste reduction.
- Used Green Impact engagement strategies to recruit volunteers via social media, newsletters, and student networks.
- Designed a booking system to anticipate repair needs and effectively match items with skilled repairers.
- Scheduled events to coincide with Market Days and other high-traffic campus activities to maximise participation.
- Encouraged walk-ins, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all.
Through Green Impact, Griffith University has embedded sustainability into everyday campus activities, demonstrating the power of collaborative action. The Repair Café has not only diverted waste from landfill but has also contributed to the right to repair movement, supporting a long-term shift toward a more sustainable future.
By integrating Green Impact into this initiative, Griffith University is empowering its community to take direct action on sustainability, one repair at a time.
