Category: Campaign

July is Plastic Free Month

24/07/2023 / julietkinsey / 0 Comments

July is Plastic Free Month

Plastics what’s the big deal?

50% of plastics in the world are made up of lightweight single-use products and packaging materials. The disposal process of these synthetic non-biodegradable plastics has become a problem for the environment, animals, and people.

In 2018 it was estimated between 4.8 million and 12.7 million metric tons of plastics were discarded into the ocean annually, by countries with ocean coastlines.

The Ocean

Once in the ocean, sunlight and seawater react with the plastics. This causes it to become brittle, breaking down and turning into microplastics. These harmful by-products are then ingested by various types of wildlife, such as zooplankton, invertebrates, fish, turtles, birds, and mammals. In addition, ocean currents above and below the sea spread the debris over a wider area, and carry the waste back to the shore, where it affects land wildlife.

Cleaning the oceans is a mammoth task and would cost billions, and as such is not a viable solution. The alternative option was to reduce the use of plastics, which would reduce the amount of waste needing disposal, and so the idea of Plastic Free Month was created.

Plastic Free Month

Join the movement and become part of the solution to help reduce plastic pollution. By replacing single use plastics, you use, one step at a time. Together we can have a massive impact on the overall output of single use non-recyclable plastics. The idea has already been embraced by a million plus participants in 190 countries since Plastic Free Month’s began in 2011. By 2021 those taking part had reduced waste by 2.1 million tonnes.

The Plastic Free Foundation

Setup by Rebecca Prince-Ruiz (the founder of the Plastic Free Foundation) and a small team in local government in Western Australia, it has grown to become one of the most influential environmental campaigns in the world. Six years after its initial set up in 2011, Plastic Free July, led to the formation of the Plastic Free Foundation Ltd, an independent, not-for-profit charity that would support participants and grow the campaign. Plastic Free July has become a key initiative that allows the organisation to work towards a world free of plastic waste.

Their core mission values are:

Honesty and integrity
Inclusivity of people, ideas, visions, and approaches.
A focus on providing solutions.
Authenticity and collaboration.
The belief that small changes add up to a big difference.

To find out more about Plastic Free Month and some great ideas on how you can play your part in helping and improving the environment, head over to Plastic Free July – Be Part of the Plastic Pollution Solution.

Working to make a difference.

Click on the following link to see how a lab technician and technical assistant at Edinburgh Napier University pioneered a new recycling initiative that has to date (December 2022) re-routed 3,000kg of plastic from general waste to dry mixed recycling. Lab Plastic Recycling Project (napier.ac.uk)

Or read the blog at: Solving single-use plastic waste with a dynamic duo – The School of Applied Sciences (napier.ac.uk)

By Mo Almas

Read more about the Environment and the world in our article on re-introducing animals to Scotland.

Photo by tanvi sharma on Unsplash

Stress Awareness Month

04/04/2023 / julietkinsey / 0 Comments

Stress awareness month

April is stress awareness month, its aim is to remind us of the importance of taking time to pause and understand what the purpose of stress is, our triggers, how it affects us physically and mentally, and the impact it has in our day-to-day lives.

It began in April 1992 in response to the rising crisis that stress has caused in our society. It is designed to open up conversations about stress in our lives and remove some of the stigmas around talking about stress.

This Year

The month also allows us to look at the methods that can be applied to help us deal with stress and become more resilient. Furthermore, it asks us to take a holistic approach to stress looking at not only our minds but the health of our bodies also.

The 30 Day Challenge

This year Stress.org.uk is challenging people to pick one action each for their Physical, Mental and Emotional Well-being to carry out every day. This is based on the idea that it takes 30 days to create a new habit. For instance, Why not try taking the stairs instead of the lift, eat one extra vegetable with Dinner or make a little time each day to meditate. Check out their website for more ideas.

University Resources

Look out for various activities and events that may be happening in your workplace or online. You can visit your staff Internet’s Health & Wellbeing page to see what services are available.

For students, visit your University’s Wellbeing page, and see what they offer. This may include signposting you to other organizations.

Additionally, Students at Edinburgh Napier University can access the Student Wellbeing, Support and Inclusion page using the following link: Wellbeing Support and Inclusion

Or perhaps you would like to look at the various resources our library offers, by visiting the Libguide’s Wellbeing Collection page.

Why not check out our Virtual Relaxation Space for a wide range of activities to relax with.

Above all, The most important thing to take away is, you are not alone and there is help available.

Information related to stress can also be found on the NHS website and there is support available from many sources through the University Webpages.

Sharing ideas:

What do you do to relieve stress, let us know in the comments?

How to reduce stress:

Meditation

Breathing Exercises

Go for walks in nature

Spend time with loved ones

Exercise

Playing games

By Mo Almas

Comic Relief (Red Nose Day)

15/03/2023 / jemmalidgard / 0 Comments

Comic Relief (Red Nose Day)

Comic Relief (Red Nose Day) is back on Friday the 17th , and you can find more information on how to get involved below: 

https://www.comicrelief.com/rednoseday 

Comic Relief was originally founded in 1985 by Screen Writer Richard Curtis and British Charity Worker Jane Tewson. It is an annual campaign to end child poverty throughout the world, aiming to keep children safe, healthy, and educated. Comedian Lenny Henry introduced the first night in 1988 and from then on it has revolutionised fundraising in other shows like the Comic Relief British Bake-off.

Red Nose Day 1988 (Griff Rhys Jones, Lenny Henry and Jonathan Ross)

Even celebrities such as Mr. Blobby and Joanna Lumley have come together to support the charity! Every year many more celebrities get involved to raise awareness and money.

But why do people wear red noses for Comic Relief?

The Red nose is the symbol of comic relief, worn to raise awareness of the campaign. The first design was introduced in 1988 and each year the designs are updated. The noses are now 100% plastic-free, made from bagasse which is a dry fibre after sugar canes are crushed for their juice. Each year there are different designs and this year you can find key rings, badges and even water bottles with exotic animals like flamingos and sloths!

Last year, over 55 million pounds was raised for Comic Relief in the UK. So, to help raise money this year you can fundraise online, host a quiz or game, donate to dress up (perhaps fancy dress), bake some delicious cakes, or buy a red nose from your local Sainsbury’s!

By Jemma Lidgard

Neurodiversity Celebration Week

13/03/2023 / julietkinsey / 0 Comments

Neurodiversity Celebration Week

Neurodiversity Celebration Week is on the 13th – 19th of March this year and is a wonderful chance to embrace and learn about neurodiversity.

The term Neurodiversity encompasses a wide variety of neurological differences. The brain can be wired in a multitude of ways. This leads to many variable and complex possibilities for processing and understanding information. Although the use of labels is not always important, many in the community use the term “neurodiverse” to refer to people who may identify as having Dyslexia, DCD (Dyspraxia), Dyscalculia, Autism and ADHD.

Although often the focus is on the challenges associated with being Neurodiverse, there are also many strengths. Therefore, Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a chance for us to focus on the fantastic talents and special gifts that Neurodiversity can also give individuals.

Did you know people with ADHD are often highly creative and great at thinking outside the box? Autistic individuals can be incredible at spotting patterns and details often missed. Oh and we can be funny. Check out comedian Hannah Gatsby and her incredible standup. Not to mention fantastic actors, The renowned Anthony Hopkins is Autistic. Oh and don’t forget the incredible Chris Packham who not only has a brilliant career working with animals but does amazing work helping others in the community. This week join us outside of the box and learn about how great being neurodiverse can be!

International Games Month

02/11/2022 / jemmalidgard / 0 Comments

International Games Month

International Games Month is our biggest and best yet!

This year for International Games Month we’ve organised some exciting new activities for you!

You’ll find links to all our activities (and Terms & Conditions for the games) here LibCal.napier.ac.uk

Game-Based Searching Skills Support

Looking for a fun way to learn academic searching skills, join our Subject Librarians in this fun game-based searching activity. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask further questions! We’ve organised one session for each campus register by following the link below.

Craiglockhart

Friday 11th November, 12 noon – 1.00 pm

Merchiston

Monday 14th November , 1.00 pm – 2.00 pm

Sighthill

Monday 21st November, 1.00 pm – 2.00pm

Well-being Workshop-Video Games as Therapy-Online

Did you know that games can be good for your well-being?

In collaboration with our Well-being team, we’re really pleased to be able to offer this well-being workshop on video gaming and how it can be good for you. This is an online session run through Webex and is open to staff and students.

Wednesday 16th November, 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm

Win an Amazon voucher!

As in previous years, we’re giving students multiple opportunities to win an Amazon voucher!

Play online, send your completed puzzle/quiz from your University email address to library@napier.ac.uk with the subject line International Games Month and we’ll enter correct entries into the draw to win a voucher. Paper copies of the Word Search and our Plot Keywords Quiz are available at each campus library if you prefer to hand in a paper copy.

Complete the Logie the Lion Jigsaw

Library Words Word Search

New for 2023 our Plot Keywords Quiz ! Use the keywords provided to work out the title of the book which has been made into a film! Click on the link at LibCal.napier.ac.uk to access the quiz sheet.

Additional Games for you to play for fun!

Slide the tiles to create a picture of Craiglockhart Library Relaxation Space

Memory Game–match the library to the correct campus

Reading List

Feedback

We’d love to have your feedback on our International Games Month events. Click on the link above!

By Cathryn Buckham

World Lion Day

10/08/2022 / jemmalidgard / 0 Comments

World Lion Day

Today’s celebrations come to us from Big Cat Rescue. World Lion Day is celebrated to raise awareness and support for their protection and conservation. It was started in 2013 by Dereck and Beverly Joubert to celebrate these legendary animals (nationaltoday.com)

Lions are the second largest cat in the world, they can weigh between 300 and 550 pounds. They used to roam all over Africa and the Eurasian continent. But now it is estimated that there are only 30 000 and 100 000 lions left (daysoftheyear). World Lion Day was started in 2013 by Dereck and Beverly Joubert to bring attention to the dwindling population of these big cats as they are listed as endangered species.

We also want to give a huge shout-out to our own lion; Logie. Logie is the library’s mascot. Why a lion you may ask, well it’s all due to the Lion’s Gate Garden at Merchiston Campus. And you all named him back in 2019, a shortened version of logarithms which was invented by John Napier. He has been with us ever since, proudly promoting our libraries.

Photo of Logie the Lion at Merchiston Library

You can find out more about these majestic creatures by following the hashtag #WorldLionDay on Twitter, the Big Cat Rescue or watching some documentaries on BOB (Box Of Broadcasts)!

https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/index.php/prog/01B2B371?bcast=133938976

While it may seem doom and gloom, raising awareness matters and individuals can make a difference. The demand to tackle climate change and to take care of our natural environment is there. Let’s join Logie and roar for the lions.

By Maya Green

International Women in Engineering Day 23rd of June 2022

23/06/2022 / jemmalidgard / 0 Comments

International Women in Engineering Day is a campaign from the Women’s Engineering Society that began in 2014 to celebrate and highlight women in engineering around the world. Although women are still under-represented in their professions today, the campaign also encourages more women to work in the sector. You can find more information at https://www.inwed.org.uk/about/

Drawing

Over the years, women have made an important contribution to engineering particularly during the industrial revolution and to the war efforts by delivering many technical elements. Examples include munitions work and manufacturing respirators.

Here are some amazing women pioneers in engineering that have and are inspiring future generations of women to work in the engineering profession:

Victoria Drummond was the first British marine engineer and was awarded a war medal for her bravery at sea during World War Two. Drummond also worked on the Caledon Ship Works in Dundee. You can find a trail in Dundee on women that have contributed to engineering: https://www.dundeewomenstrail.org.uk/
Christina Koch is an engineer and NASA astronaut who contributed to scientific instruments on several space missions.
Kimberly Bryant is an electrical engineer and founded the Black Girls Code to change the face of technology and introduce girls of colour to computer science https://www.chartwellspeakers.com/speaker/kimberly-bryant/

Did you know that today it is also estimated that only 25% of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) are women? This shows that girls are often stereotyped from an early age in the classroom, as boys are more likely to pursue these subjects such as Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, and Computing. The sector needs to be more diverse, and Equate Scotland also works with women to be more inclusive: https://equatescotland.org.uk/

At Edinburgh Napier, 20% of our staff and students in the School of Engineering & the Built Environment are female. You can find more information about our engineering courses here:

BEX students in the Seven Hills complex for the ‘Student Stories’ series. 4th year Civil Engineering students who took part in international beX work experience during summer 2019. Louise Amy Rogers pictured.

23 questions were answered by women in Engineering at Edinburgh Napier and why more women should take the leap https://www.napier.ac.uk/about-us/our-schools/school-of-engineering-and-the-built-environment/international-women-in-engineering-day-2019

If you want to read more try this article.

Additional resources:

https://www.inwed.org.uk/resources-2022/

https://napier.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/fulldisplay?docid=alma9923485414102111&context=L&vid=44NAP_INST:44NAP_ALMA_VU1&lang=en&search_scope=MyInst_and_CI&adaptor=Local%20Search%20Engine&tab=Everything&query=any,contains,women%20in%20engineering&offset=0

World Ocean Day Wednesday 8th of June 2022

08/06/2022 / jemmalidgard / 1 Comment

World Ocean Day Wednesday 8th of June 2022

World Ocean Day was recognised by the United Nations in 2008. It advocates for protecting, restoring, and learning more about the blue planet. The ocean connects us all and we want to create a better and more sustainable future, as well as conserve marine ecosystems and life.

Did you know that the ocean covers over 70% of the planet? Also, 70% of the oxygen we breathe is produced by oceans?

It is home to most of the biodiversity and sadly due to pollution levels, coral reefs and marine life are diminishing. Therefore, as humans, we can take action to protect and understand our relationship with the ocean and its habitat.

Turtle

But how can we help?

You can support the campaign, whether this is online, a physical event, or sharing information around the world! Here is how you can help below:
Use educational materials found on the website.
Connect with your local aquarium, and schools, and amplify the event through blogging (like this one for example), signage, podcasts, and social media!
If you feel brave, you could deliver presentations (interactive alongside the ocean creatures), or if you live near the oceans, you could even host a guided walk.
Organise competitions around writing articles, books, or poems on saving our oceans.
Get creative and upcycle any materials found on the beaches that contribute to ocean pollution. · Sign the petition Conservation Action Focus – World Ocean Day – World Ocean Day
Spread the word and access promotional resources to engage communities on social media.

Protect World Ocean Day Beach Scene

The marine conservation society in Scotland has a responsibility to ban any damaged activity such as trawling and dredging. You can find more information https://www.mcsuk.org/about-us/where-we-work/our-focus-in-scotland/

There are also links on the library’s Box of Broadcasts to understand more about Oceans and the incredible creatures that live in them:

https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/index.php/prog/125AA041?bcast=127865111 https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/index.php/prog/118B147A?bcast=127040971

Search the library catalogue for books on Oceans.

Take action here

Mental Health Awareness Week 9th-15th May 2022

09/05/2022 / jemmalidgard / 1 Comment

Mental Health Awareness Week 2022

Mental Health Awareness week is an annual campaign to focus on achieving good mental health. It is part of the Mental Health Foundation that was established 21 years ago.

This year the campaign explores loneliness, the effect it has on our mental health and how we can reduce loneliness. Loneliness is a subjective feeling experienced when the need for social contact and relationships are not met. Although, loneliness doesn’t necessarily always mean it is the same as ‘being alone’.

Throughout the pandemic, many of us have faced isolation under the lockdown rules creating separation from friends and family.

Libraries and Mental Health

Libraries can play an important role in bringing people together, fostering connections and communities. The Shelf Help collection at Edinburgh Napier University Library has been created to help students cope with different aspects of life such as starting university, managing finances, and eating healthily on a student budget. There are a wide range of books in Shelf Help aimed to help students understand and manage their health and wellbeing. These include books on topics such as dealing with stress and anxiety, specific learning difficulties including dyslexia and dyspraxia, and sexuality and relationships. Within Shelf Help there is also a loneliness section where you can find links to books on Library Search which can be borrowed or browsed in the library including:

Navigating Loneliness by Cheryl Rickman

The Cure for Loneliness by Bill Howatt

There is also a link to the ‘The Lonely Hour’ podcast where Julia Bainbridge aims to de-stigmatize loneliness by discussing the importance of finding joy in solitude and connecting with yourself. https://libguides.napier.ac.uk/c.php?g=653422&p=4968443

During Mental Health Awareness Week there will be displays in each ENU Library promoting the Shelf Help collection where you will be able to find books related to loneliness and other mental health topics. Please feel free to borrow the books from the displays!

Picture of books on a library shelf

Here are other ways that can help to tackle loneliness:

· There are group study rooms available for collaborative study at resourcebooker.napier.ac.uk. Studying together can help gain fresh insights into sharing knowledge!

· Join a club, class or even a society! This provides a sense of belonging and awakens that creative spirit. Edinburgh Napier’s Student Association holds societies to meet new people with similar interests. Find more information about the different societies at https://www.napierstudents.com/teamnapiersocieties/atozsocieties/

· Self-care, such as exercise, meeting friends and family, sleep and eating nutritiously have physical and emotional benefits to improving your well-being. You can check out resources

on the library blog for further support and building resistance https://blogs.napier.ac.uk/library/virtual-relaxation-space/

Group Study

See the My Napier webpages for more information on Counselling and Wellbeing Support provided by the University.

Edinburgh Napier University support:

Counsellors and Mental Health Advisers

9am-5pm, Monday-Friday

0131 455 2459 counselling@napier.ac.uk

Emergency and Out of Hours Contacts

http://breathingspace.scot/

https://edinburghcrisiscentre.org.uk/

https://www.samaritans.org/?nation=scotland

https://ednightline.com/

See the My Napier webpages for a full list of useful emergency & out of hours contacts.

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week/event-map

By Jemma Lidgard and Sarah Jeffcott

July is Plastic Free Month

Plastics what’s the big deal?

The Ocean

Plastic Free Month

The Plastic Free Foundation

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Stress awareness month

This Year

The 30 Day Challenge

University Resources

How to reduce stress:

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Comic Relief (Red Nose Day)

But why do people wear red noses for Comic Relief?

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Neurodiversity Celebration Week

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World Lion Day

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World Ocean Day Wednesday 8th of June 2022

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