People, Planet and Purpose

Fairtrade coffee helped students learn how ethical sourcing supports people and planet.

Yugo Bentley House marked Fairtrade Day by serving Fairtrade coffee and sharing information about the impact behind the label. Fairtrade works to ensure farmers and producers in lower-income countries receive fair pay, safer working conditions, and support for more sustainable farming practices. 

By connecting a simple daily choice with a global supply chain, Yugo encouraged students to think more consciously about the social and environmental impact of what they consume. Ethical sourcing plays a key role in building more sustainable and equitable food systems

Students joined WWF’s global lights-off campaign to raise awareness of climate and energy use. 

Yugo Coliseo Europea took part in WWF’s international “Planet Hour” initiative, switching off lights in common areas and encouraging around 120 residents to do the same in their rooms for one hour. WWF’s campaign brings millions of people together worldwide in a symbolic act to highlight climate change and the importance of reducing energy consumption. 

While one hour of darkness may seem small, collective action sends a powerful message about the need for more responsible energy use. The initiative encouraged students to reflect on their own daily habits and how small behavioural changes can reduce environmental impact. 

A resident food drive supported the local community while encouraging mindful consumption and waste reduction.

At Yugo Champaign South 3rd Lofts and Yugo Melbourn Point, residents took part in a food donation drive collecting non-perishable items and other essential goods for people in the local community. Food banks and community support organisations provide vital assistance to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity, helping ensure access to basic nutrition and essentials. 

By donating usable items rather than discarding them, residents supported more mindful consumption and helped reduce household waste. The initiative showed how small actions within a residence can create meaningful social impact while promoting more sustainable living habits. 

A shared food shelf and community meal helped reduce waste and support students. 

At Yugo Elementum, a community lunch brought residents together while launching a shared food shelf in the common kitchen. Students can leave surplus or unopened food for others to use, helping prevent edible food from going to waste and supporting those looking to reduce grocery costs. 

Food waste is a major contributor to global emissions, and small-scale sharing systems can make a meaningful difference. In its first weeks, the shelf saved an estimated 10kg of food, showing how community action can reduce environmental impact. 

Residents donated unwanted items to charities, supporting people in need while reducing waste. 

Yugo Beckley Point organised a donation drive encouraging residents to pass on unwanted items to charities including the British Heart Foundation and a local women’s shelter. The British Heart Foundation funds life-saving research into heart and circulatory diseases through resale and reuse, while women’s shelters provide protection and support for those experiencing crisis and hardship. 

By extending the life of usable items, the initiative reduced waste and promoted reuse - a key part of a more circular, sustainable approach to consumption.