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The Key Role of Universities
Plant-Based Campus UiO was launched in collaboration with the Green Office in 2023. After a period of low activity, Amber van Vliet took over as leader last year and breathed new life into the organization.
She and PBC UiO believe universities play a key role in the green transition.
“Since universities have significant cultural capital, they can influence norms, ethical views, and practical solutions in the rest of society,” van Vliet points out.
That is why the association believes that UiO should lead by example in sustainable operations, including when it comes to food. They are working to influence food service, purchasing, and catering policies, and to ensure that events at UiO increasingly offer plant-based food.
“We are working toward a 100% plant-based campus,” says board chair van Vliet.
Among other things, through a petition campaign. So far, PBC UiO has collected around 130 signatures for the campaign. The plan is to present these to the Student Parliament, with the hope of gaining political support and further influence with the Student Union in Oslo (SiO).
The Green Office as a meeting place
To be able to offer food and drinks at its own meetings and gatherings, PBC UiO applied for Green Grants from the Green Office.
“It’s easier to engage people when you offer food,” says van Vliet.
The association holds weekly meetings at the Green Office at 5:00 p.m. on Mondays. Here, they plan how to spread their message and strengthen the campaign.
Van Vliet believes that having a physical meeting place means a lot:
-Being able to use the Green Office as a hub is a huge help in our work. I also see it as mutually beneficial that green initiatives at the university are centered around the office.
The Way Forward
Moving forward, PBC UiO aims to collect more signatures for the campaign, as well as engage students and staff through workshops and other activities related to plant-based food.
By next semester, they hope to have an even more established association, participate in Association Day, and recruit more members who will help make UiO more sustainable—one meal at a time.
The Green Office is delighted to be collaborating with PBC UiO and wishes them the best of luck!