Raising climate awareness through green jumpers

Students and staff across Harrogate College came together to raise awareness of climate change by wearing green jumpers.

In its first year, Green Jumper Day is the brainchild of Harrogate Man, Alec Walton and his daughter, in a bid to encourage the community to help the environment.

The father-daughter duo inspired the college’s staff and students to wear green jumpers, turn down the heating to conserve energy and raise money for the cause.

Megan Hawkswell, Student Enrichment Coordinator at Harrogate College, was responsible for organising the event at college.

“The aim of this day was to increase awareness of climate change across the college and encourage individuals to take action. We strive to live our core values, one of which is being progressive. Therefore, it is essential that we develop skills and awareness in our students that will prepare them for the changing world we live in and future jobs in the green economy. 

“Enhancing students’ understanding of environmental issues is a great first step towards building these valuable green skills. Students will have the opportunity to develop these skills further in the new year with our Carbon Literacy Training.

“Learners are encouraged to get involved with environmental campaigns and activities through our enrichment programme. We’ll also be hosting a range of events and activities for students, staff and the wider community for Green Month in March.”

Holly Hansen-Maughan, Partnerships and Development Lead, is a keen advocate for environmental sustainability and recently attended COP26.

“As a college, we are dedicated to tackling environmental issues; we have made a sustainability pledge and aim to be a centre of green excellence. The success of Harrogate’s Climate Action Festival has demonstrated the level of interest and work going on across the region, which we’re committed to being involved in.”

Listen here to Megan talking about the importance of getting involved with the day.