August
Theme: Environmental Awareness and Sustainability at QMU
This August, we have chosen ‘Environmental Awareness and Sustainability’ as our monthly theme. The concept of sustainability is widely contested across cultures, disciplines, historical and political contexts.
At its most basic level, it is about the capacity to preserve ways of doing and being, but emphasis is also placed on the interactions of human, economic, social, and environmental concerns.
At QMU, we have placed sustainability at the very core of our vision, taking a joined-up approach to the social, environmental and economic dimensions of sustainable development.
Our holistic approach not only takes account of our immediate campus environment and everyday behaviour but also extends to curriculum development and the impact of our teaching and research across the world.
Sustainability requires us all to be participants by urgently reducing inequality, eradicating poverty, improving health and education, tackling climate change, and preserving our environment.
Cycle to Work Day – 1st August
Cycle to Work Day is an annual event that encourages people who are able to commute by bicycle, promoting cycling as a sustainable and healthy mode of transportation.
Cycling is a great way of getting to QMU. The University is located within close proximity to the National Cycle Route 1, which connects to the Centre of Edinburgh and the Route 76, which runs east through Prestonpans, Haddington and Dunbar.
The following facilities are available to cyclists on the campus and in the surrounding area:
- University bike hire schemes
- GO e-Bike hubs in East Lothian and Midlothian (Nearest hub at Musselburgh Train Station)
- Lockers (located on level 1 of the main academic building)
- Parking (3 secured locker sheds at accommodation and 1 for regular cyclists)
- Secure bike lockers (installed behind the bus stop and at accommodation)
- Showers & changing rooms (located on level one in the main building and available in the sports centre)
- Emergency maintenance kits (available at reception)
- Dr Bike sessions (15 minutes of bicycle repair for minor problems, monthly)
Key Dates
World Breastfeeding Week – 1st – 7th August
Roma Genocide Memorial Day – 2nd August
Cycle to Work Day – 6th August
International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples – 9th August
International Youth Day – 12th August
International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence based on Religion or Belief – 22nd August
International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition – 23rd August
Religious Dates
1st Lughnassadh/Lammas (Wicca/Pagan)
6th Feast of the Transfiguration (Christian)
13th -16th Obon (Buddhist)
25th – 26th Milad-un-Nabi (Islam)
28th Raksha Bandhan (Hindu)