We’re meeting Estelle, a sophomore in the Grande Ecole Engineering Programme. This year, she joined the Ecogadz association, which was founded in 2021 with the goal of encouraging students to be more eco-conscious and raising their awareness of current environmental issues.
Ecogadz enables concrete actions to be taken that improve and facilitate students' daily lives so that ecology no longer rhymes with constraint in their minds.
"I chose to get involved in this association because, like my friends Anua, Tom, Alba, Roman, and Maël, I believe that we can reduce our environmental impact by taking small actions that, when added together, become significant," says Estelle. "As future engineers and actors in tomorrow's world, it is important that we are aware of these issues because, whether we like it or not, we will have to face them."
The residence, where students live, is well suited to collective action. Estelle cites the example of setting up a bicycle loan system. Initially, there were forgotten bicycles in poor condition lying around the residence with no clear owner.
The Ecogadz team decided to repair and maintain the abandoned bikes and bought a rack, which they installed at the entrance to the residence. They made six bikes available for all students (from all programs) to use freely. Thanks to the involvement of student representatives, users can borrow a bicycle and a lock to go shopping or for a ride. A pump is also available for students to use on borrowed bicycles if necessary or to maintain a bicycle. The service is offered to promote and encourage soft mobility.
Estelle also points out that the end of the induction period for the new intake is likely to lead to an increase in hair waste. Ecogadz, in conjunction with the solidarity association Gasole, is participating in recycling initiatives led by the company Capillum , which is turning hair into the fiber of tomorrow by creating eco-friendly and innovative solutions that benefit the planet. Estelle emphasizes , "This year, we donated around 70 cm³ of hair.".
The longest strands of hair were collected and given to the association Fake Hair Don't Care , which makes high-quality, low-cost wigs to help people with cancer.
At Arts et Métiers, students enjoy a rich student life where everyone can flourish according to their interests. It is a way for them to enrich their experiences and then reuse the knowledge and skills acquired within the association and apply them in other areas, including professional ones.
