Forge Press sat down with Izzie Comber to discuss their candidacy for Sustainability and Development Officer.
We first asked why Izzie wanted they wanted to run to become the Officer. Izzie said:
“I work in Foundry and it’s my third year of working there now. And I’ve also worked in Bar One, so I have quite a good knowledge and understanding of social enterprise.”
Izzie stated that: “I have a lot of climate crisis anxiety. So just being able to put myself forward and potentially do even a small bit to help with that is something that really appeals to me.”
They have previously raised sustainability issues in staff forums within Foundry, but as just a flex staff, they don’t have much control or influence over enacting changes. But she said, “as officer I would be able to raise these issues to make an impact.”
We then asked if there are any specific places that you’ve identified that you could improve?
Izzie said: “definitely, the waste management and disposal. The recycling is just shocking, to be honest.”
As a lot of the waste is contaminated and mixed and not dealt with properly, resulting in it not beign recycled properly.
We then asked why she thinks her role is important within the SU and the universities?
Izzie said: “I would say that the development side of it is very much so important for the functioning of the SU, considering the funding cuts from the university, being able to create a space for students to engage with, whether that’s events or nights out, and making it financially accessible and sustainable for students.”
Izzie reiterated that universities have a responsibility to lead by example in terms of climate change and environmental issues.
As Sustainability and Development officer: “allows students to have a say and to take meaningful steps to actually impact the university, students and the wider community itself. And the integration of sustainability with financial and social development is beneficial in the long run for economic and environmental resilience, which ensures a better future for future students.”
Forge then asked what is part of their manifesto?
Izzie wants to tackle plastic cups in Foundry by moving to reusable plastics to reduce the amount of single-use plastics that we use. They said: “It is definitely doable because they do it in other businesses like places down West Street and Leadmill.
She acknowledged that it could be something that is gradually integrated, for example, starting with shot glasses and bomb cups.
Izzie also wants to focus on recycling generally in the SU by having more specific bins and organisation of waste disposal.
But, they also wants to make an impact on a wider scale, and said, “if we could somehow work with Sheffield Council and encourage them to invest more money into recycling, that’s something that I am really passionate about and really care about because a lot of the waste in Sheffield is incinerated, whether it’s like slightly contaminated.”
As part of her manifesto Izzie also wants to introduce an outlet reward scheme, collecting points every time you shop or purchase something in any of the outlets, “so that students can get a discount or money off on the 10th purchase for example, it will encourage students to engage with the Su whilst they save money.”
Izzie also stated: “My final key thing I would say is allergen safety. It’s something that I’m really passionate about because the SU should be a safe and inclusive space for all people, especially those with life-threatening allergies.”
“I would improve within the outlets because we have a lot of nut products just in the air, especially in the shop, like pastries that could be covered quite easily with plastic. But also, in terms of staff training, a lot of staff have no idea what to do if someone goes into anaphylaxis, people wouldn’t know how to use an EpiPen.”
