About eco-my-flat
What is it?
Eco-my-flat is a simple, guided, programme to help you green up your flat with easy, low-cost living tips. Hosted by the UC Sustainability Office, the programme is sponsored by a number of eco-friendly businesses who donate goods and vouchers to help you on your way. We provide free, fun workshops (to UC community with koha/donation for non-UC) that focus on practical, easy improvements to make your home more sustainable.
Who can join? 
It's open to all UC students who are flatting, but because we want to help all of our community eco up their lives, we’re happy for any UC staff and students to join in. Even if you’re not from the UC you are welcome to attend the workshops (with a small koha/donation) and can join our Facebook page and post about your own eco-efforts. You don't need to know a lot about sustainable living, just be willing to rise to the challenge.
Workshops
Workshops will be held at Sustainability House, 118 Ilam Road on Wednesdays, 5-6pm. If you would like to attend the workshops (even on a casual basis) please fill out the online sign-up form so that we can gauge numbers etc.
Sessions are on:
Term One
29 Feb: Social night – meeting up, explanation of audit, opportunity to meet mentors
7 March: Gardening – how to set up a non-permanent raised garden bed; using pots etc.
14 March: Food – ways to lower your carbon footprint through changing food habits
21 March: Preserving – best practice for preserving grown and foraged food
28 March: Transport – utilising sustainable transport
Term Two
2 May: Brewing/Fermenting – using fermenting processes to brew your own beer and preserve food
9 May: Body Care – natural, sustainable body care products
16 May: Keeping Warm – including best energy use, op-shopping for woollies etc.
23 May: Eco Cleaning – biodegradable and natural, everyday products to clean your home
30 May: Creating Change – how to take your new found skills and passions into your community
Our workshops are facilitated by fun and knowledgeable people, there are lots of sponsor giveaways, and you’re guaranteed to be inspired to put your learning into action. Pick a workshop stream that suits you and stick with it if you can - that way you’ll get to know some other flats.
Getting the eco message out there
Everyone involved with eco-my-flat – participants, sponsors, workshop hosts, organisers – will be invited to write blogs, post on our Facebook page, upload Youtube clips etc. about any or all of the changes they’re making in their homes as a result of what they’re learning in the workshops and from other eco-flatters. Spot prizes will be up for grabs online, and sponsors will be able to liaise directly with flats to make suggestions and offer incentives etc. Have a look at past competitions blogs for inspiration! 
Why is it happening?
It’s no secret that students have a bad rep when it comes to clean, green living. The reality is that eco-living can often cost a lot less, and requires creative, innovative approaches to everyday household issues. Tertiary students are an ideal group to lead that creativity, while saving a few bucks for their back pockets as well. Want to know more about sustainability in general? Click here.
Registration and Auditing
Whether you’re keen to take up the whole challenge of eco-my-flat or just want to attend a few workshops, and focus on one or two areas, it is important that you register online with our registration form.
Have a look at past competitions blogs for inspiration!
Contact
If you have any questions about eco-my-float contact coordinator Sharon McIver at sharon.mciver@canterbury.ac.nz
Spot Prizes and Workshop Giveaways!
We have tonnes of amazing giveaways for the workshops and spot prizes as well. Have a look at our sponsors page to see who is supporting eco-my-flat!
Keen to give it a go?