Sustainability Events

Events enable the College to engage its community, promote best practice and initiate collaboration. Some, such as Green Week, are an annual feature of the College calendar. Others, are stand-alone events such as the 2023 Families Day. Many of these events are organised through collaboration between College Members and realised through voluntary support.

Project Second Life

Project Second Life (PSL) is an award winning, student-led reuse scheme that collects belongings of departing Darwinians and offers them to new members in a big sale at the start of the new academic year.

In addition to the main PSL sale, the initiative also includes a bike resale and a linen and bedding welcome stall: Bikes left behind by departing Darwinians are professionally repaired and offered to students on a pay-what-you-feel basis, and new students are greeted upon arrival with a choice of good-quality duvets, towels, pillows and linens to take for free.

PSL is driven by students, with the support of College staff. In 2025, the initiative raised a total of £2,229. These proceeds fund the Sustainable Travel Grant – a top-up grant that students can apply for to cover the cost difference when choosing more sustainable transport for academic travel. Remaining items are donated to local charities, such as It Takes A City, OWL Bikes, and local charity shops.

“When I joined Darwin last year, I remember the PSL sale as being the welcome week event that really stood out to me,” said 2024 coordinator Camilla Billari. “To me, PSL encapsulates the giving and kind nature of the Darwin student community, as well as showcasing the drive and initiative to help students lead more circular and sustainable lifestyles.”

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Green Week

Darwin Green Week is an annual fixture in the College calendar, organised by the DCSA Environmental & Ethical Affairs Officer in collaboration with other college members. In 2025, the Green Week ran from 17-23 May and included events, such as a pop-up farmers’ market, repair café, bird tour, and much more.

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Sustainable May Balls

The 2023 Darwin May Ball was accredited as the most sustainable University of Cambridge May Ball. As well as being the first 100% plant-based Cambridge May ball, the student committee prioritised energy efficiency, sustainable transportation, and responsible waste management.

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Darwin Kitchens trips

The catering team often run trips, on which staff, students and catering managers from other colleges are invited. Past trips include:

  • Chet Valley Vineyard – suppliers and sponsors of the 2023 plant-based May Ball.
  • Eat Curious – producers of plant-based meat alternatives

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Families Day

In June 2023, Darwin hosted a Sustainability Families Day, organised by the DCSA Families Officer and the Sustainability Engagement Coordinator. All Darwin members were invited to bring their families to enjoy the gardens and learn about its biodiversity through events led by staff, students and Fellows. The day was concluded with a Hogwarts-themed family-friendly formal.

“Thanks to all who hosted us including the nice folk in the gardening, bird-watching, face-painting, future-forecasting, punting, kayaking, candle-making and the nice sustainable food too.” Darwin Member

“It was a joy to see such a diversity of participants and all those little feet streaking around Darwin, taking in the gardens.” Volunteer

“A very well-organised and well thought-through event filled with fun and diverse educational activities… reminding us to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the natural world.” Parent