Sustainability Initiatives in Gold Coast

Sustainability Statement

CIS Abroad is dedicated to promoting and enacting sustainability initiatives. We believe that by doing our part in educating our participants and employees on green measures we can help keep the Earth around us clean. Therefore, we are delighted to announce that CIS Abroad has formed a sustainability committee known as “Green Flags.” We are joining many other organizations in the education abroad field who are working to prioritize sustainability and climate action in our operations and programming abroad. Learn more about it here!

Sustainability Built in Local Life Activities

Are you concerned about the world we live in but often feel frustrated and unsure how to make a positive impact? During the Spring semester you will have the opportunity to participate in Clean Up Australia Day! This is held annually on the first Sunday in March. Signing up to participate means you’re making a pledge to improve and protect Australia’s environment. Participating in a Clean Up Australia event changes the way you think about your everyday habits and the practical changes each of us can make. Clean Up Australia Day is a great opportunity to work together and take practical action! 

Living Green

Recycling

Australia has an excellent public recycling system. Most suburbs separate recyclables and general waste in separate public bins. With these Red and Yellow bins everywhere recycling is easy and convenient. In most homes you will also find a third bin for green waste (food and plant matter).

Recycling in your respective housing will vary. If you're living at the dormitory on Bond campus you should continue to recycle but there will be  the night guard who is responsible for taking out the trash. If you live in an apartment, the process of sorting will follow accordingly but you have to take out your own trash.

If you're not sure how to sort your refuse, all packaging produced in Australia is labeled with instructions on how and where to recycle it. 

Water Consumption

Taking shorter showers at home can help conserve water, an essential resource, without compromising personal hygiene. This is especially necessary in Australia given its history of drought. By integrating this sustainable habit into daily life, residents and visitors alike can play a vital role in preserving Australia’s natural beauty and fostering a greener future for the city.

Energy and water are very expensive in Australia. It's important to be mindful of the following:

• Turn off lights whenever you’re not home.
• Turn off the A/C when you’re not home.
• The length of time you take a shower.
• Use a reusable bag when shopping! Saves on plastic.
• Carry a reusable water bottle with you.
• Avoid plastic packaging.
• Ask for no straw in your drink.
• Eat in instead of take away to avoid containers. 
• Of course, don’t litter.

Green Campus

The drive and desire to safeguard our world from the devastating effects of climate change, global warming, pollution, rising sea levels and other imminent change sees sustainability at the heart of Bond University and informs every aspect of operations. Since 2005, Bond claim to have adapted their focus to include programs and initiatives that champion sustainability, leading the way and setting the benchmark for environmentalism in education. This is reflected in so many ways. Bond University offers lots of opportunities to take action and runs many initiatives. 

Bond Law students are able to sign up to the 9 week program to be climate activists! Find out more here.

Local Organizations and Initiatives

During your study abroad semester there are lots of opportunities to get involved in sustainability and care for the environment. Here are just a few examples:

1. Clean Up Australia Day - Sunday, March 3rd, 2024
2. Naturally GC - Volunteer opportunities to connect with nature and play your part in environmental conservation through education and action.
3. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Volunteer Program - This is a long term role with a minimum 6 month weekly commitment required however the position of Fundraising Volunteer can have shorter commitments.
4. Aussie Wildlife - Wildlife rehabilitation center offers opportunities for volunteers to assist with feeding/caring for animals and assisting with release.
5. City of Gold Coast Our Beaches educational programs.
6. GECKO- NGO Environmental advocacy organization has volunteering opportunities including Student Internships.
7. Ediblescapes- Active volunteer opportunities. Volunteer driven community organization which provides opportunity to learn about and participate in ecologically sustainable urban food culture.
8. Ocean Connect - A grassroots NGO that builds our connection to the marine environment. Welcoming volunteers, and intern and research opportunities!