Celebrate Sustainable East London in style

The University of East London will wrap up its inaugural Sustainable Cities Festival with the Sustainable East London Mini Festival. This engaging event will transform the Docklands and USS campuses into sustainable havens offering an array of activities aimed at promoting eco-conscious living and community engagement.

Join us for a variety of sustainable-inspired activities, ranging from captivating clothing swaps and repair workshops to gardening and eco-friendly jewellery making. These hands-on experiences will empower attendees to create, make, grow, and repair in an environmentally conscious manner.

The Sustainable East London Mini Festival takes place on Wednesday, 24 April from 10am to 5pm at UEL’s Docklands and USS campuses.

Programme of events:

Docklands campus

Community garden and planting 10am-12pm, UEL Community Garden - Discover the fun of gardening. Join us for a unique opportunity to delve into the world of gardening - whether you're eager to plant seeds, nurture new life, or simply unwind and connect over conversation. No prior gardening experience is necessary; we'll equip you with everything you need, including tools, plants, and even refreshing beverages. Come ready to learn, get your hands dirty, and enjoy a memorable morning cultivating new skills and connections in a welcoming environment.

Clothing swap and repair café 1-4pm, Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability - Have old clothes you no longer wear? Need some minor repairs done for your bike, clothes or small electrical items? Look no further! We're excited to invite you to this Clothing Swap & Repair Café event in partnership with East London Waste Authority and London Borough of Newham. Join us for a day of promoting sustainable fashion, reuse and sharing with community members.

Dr Bike workshop 1-4pm, Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability - Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just getting started, this Dr Bike workshop is your go-to for quick bike health checks and repairs. Discover the joys of active travel while championing a green agenda, all while gaining essential skills in basic bike maintenance. Don't miss this opportunity to ensure your bike is road-ready and enjoy a day dedicated to sustainable living and community engagement.

Sustainable marketplace and food outlets 1-4pm, Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability - We're thrilled to partner with Nutrition Kitchen, offering an enriching food experience. Join us for an engaging session where you'll not only learn to create delicious cold seasonal salads but also gain valuable insights into reducing food waste. Discover the benefits of smart meal planning and sustainable cooking practices, all while exploring a diverse range of food outlets that cater to every taste. It's a journey of culinary discovery and eco-friendly living rolled into one exciting event.

USS campus

Clothing swap and repair café 1-4pm - Have old clothes you no longer wear? Need some minor repairs done for your bike, clothes or small electrical items? Look no further! We're excited to invite you to this Clothing Swap & Repair Café event in partnership with East London Waste Authority and London Borough of Newham. Join us for a day of promoting sustainable fashion, reuse and sharing with community members.

Sustainable Fashion workshop Make and Mend 2pm- 3pm, The Dome - Join us for an exciting hands-on workshop where you can learn how to create and repair your own fashionable garments in an eco-friendly way. During this workshop, you'll have the opportunity to explore sustainable fashion practices and gain practical skills in mending and upcycling clothing. Our expert instructors will guide you through various techniques, such as patching, darning, and sewing buttons, helping you extend the lifespan of your favourite pieces. By attending this workshop, you'll not only learn valuable skills but also contribute to reducing fashion waste and promoting a more sustainable fashion industry. Join us for a fun and educational event that will empower you to make a positive impact on the environment through fashion!

Sustainable Fashion Workshop -  Jewellery Making 2.30pm-3.30pm, The Dome - Join us for a hands-on workshop on sustainable fashion and jewellery making. This event is perfect for fashion enthusiasts and those interested in sustainable practices. During this workshop, you will learn how to create unique and stylish jewellery pieces using eco-friendly materials. Our expert instructors will guide you through the process, teaching you various techniques and sharing tips on sustainable fashion. Discover how to reduce waste and create beautiful accessories that are both fashionable and environmentally friendly. Take the first step towards a more sustainable and stylish future.

The Sustainable East London Mini Festival will culminate with the Sustainability Awards ceremony at 5pm at the Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability, celebrating outstanding contributions to sustainable living and urban development.

No prior booking is required for the Sustainable East London Mini Festival, and all services are free of charge. For more information, please contact sustainability@uel.ac.uk

The Sustainable East London Mini Festival is a culmination of UEL's Sustainable Cities Festival, a dynamic nine-day exploration into innovative solutions, new approaches, and collaboration to tackle urban challenges. As part of UEL's Year of Science, the festival has sparked conversations and initiatives centred around sustainable urban development.