UTM marks its sixth annual Sustainability Week 2025
UTM Sustainability hosts several events for students to learn about sustainability including workshops, presentations, scavenger hunts, and more.
From March 17 to March 21, the University of Toronto (U of T) Mississauga (UTM) held its sixth annual Sustainability Week, which is dedicated to engaging students in learning about sustainability and its place on campus.
This year, Sustainability Week featured over 20 organized events and was held in partnership with UTMSU, UTM’s Sustainability Ooffice, and the MScSM Student Executive Council (MSEC).
MScSM, or “Master of Science in Sustainability Management,” is a unique 20-month professional sustainability program offered by UTM. MScSM students contribute to campus-wide sustainability awareness and transformation through initiatives like the recent UTM Sustainability Week, UTM Sustainability Strategic Plan, and Sustainability Leaders Series.
The week started off strong on Monday with an event hosted by UTM’s very own Sustainability Office in which they explained their role on campus and celebrated the winners of UTM’s Sustainable Action Award. There was also a drop-in upcycling workshop where participants learned foundational fashion skills like how to make basic stitches, which could be used to repair, repurpose, and upcycle their own clothing.
Those who were interested in learning about careers in sustainability had the opportunity to observe presentations and panels on Monday by professional leaders and innovators in the field of sustainability, including UTM alumni.
On Tuesday, there was an internship-related drop-in information session featuring Master of Science and Sustainability students, an art activism program, and a virtual event hosted by the Sustainability Office that facilitated discussions about carbon reduction on campus.
Additionally, there was a chance to do some art, plant potting, and terrarium building, as well as the opportunity to explore local food security solutions and practical at-home food waste strategies.
On Wednesday, students could take part in Fairtrade shopping in the Maanjiwe nendamowinan building for food, flowers, jewelry, soaps, candles, cookbooks, bedsheets, socks, hair accessories, bath towels, clothing and more. In the William G. Davis building, students dropped by to interact and relax with Dino, the therapy dog.
Another campus sustainability tour was conducted as well as a workshop on slow fashion. The day wrapped up with an evening showing of The Lorax.
Thursday featured a Sustainability Fair run by the MSEC, where students, faculty, researchers, and industry professionals engaged with and discussed new ideas, best practices, and emerging sustainability practices. Also on Thursday was a sustainability tour for students. Students also participated in free thrift shopping at the Student Centre, a UTMSU Sustainability Scavenger Hunt and a mapping activity facilitated by the U of T Mapping Club.
The week ended with the UTMSU Root and Renew event which was held at Hart House Farm and the Student Centre. Buses were available to take participants to the farm and back to campus afterward.
