The enticing scent of freshly baked vegan waffles greeted visitors from the very first tent—arousing curiosity and appetites alike. Many attendees visited this year’s Sustainability Day, held on May 21, 2025, on the Poppelsdorf campus, where they had the chance to learn about the sustainable future of the university and UKB. Right next to a screen-printing station where attendees could decorate jute bags for more sustainable grocery shopping, the Vice Dean’s Office drew attention with a creative upcycling activity using old milk cartons. The UKB teams also presented exciting and informative contributions on sustainability at the university hospital.
UKB’s Strong Commitment to Sustainability
Together with several UKB project teams, the Vice Dean’s Office showcased the diversity of sustainable initiatives at the University Hospital Bonn. Among them were projects supported by the Vice Dean’s Sustainability Commission, including contributions from the psychiatric day clinic, the KAI Green Team, the Central Sterile Supply Department (ZAEMP), and the Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic, and Vascular Surgery.
Visitors could learn about the introduction of garden therapy for patients, the use of recyclable materials in medical device reprocessing, and how sustainability is being integrated into laboratories and surgical departments.
From a plant quiz with wildflower seeds as prizes and opinion polls on sustainability in surgery, to sample materials made from recycled sterile packaging seals and the upcycling of old milk cartons—the hands-on activities were once again innovative and drew in many visitors eager to engage with the topic of sustainability.
Milk Cartons Turned Into Reusable Design Objects
With a free Fairtrade coffee in hand and eco-friendly goodies in their bags, visitors at the Vice Dean’s booth could get creative by upcycling old milk cartons. For those more interested in dialogue than crafting, there were plenty of opportunities for exchange, inspiration, and sharing sustainable ideas.
Used milk and juice cartons—otherwise destined for the trash—were transformed into small works of art: pencil holders, plant pots, gift boxes, or toys—the creative possibilities were endless. With paint, washi tape, ribbons, and a little imagination, unique and personalized designs came to life.
The Vice Dean’s Office warmly thanks everyone who visited and contributed to the many inspiring conversations at their booth. It was heartening to see so many people passionate about sustainability and creative solutions.
With that in mind, the teams are already looking forward to next year. Until then—stay inspired and stay sustainable!
