Niagara College has topped the list of colleges and universities worldwide for sustainability projects that promote the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s).

NC’s Free Store initiative is a finalist in the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Sustainability category for the 2025 International Green Gown Awards which recognize the efforts of higher education institutions in implementing sustainable practices.

Free Store Pop-Ups, hosted each semester at NC, have provided students with a chance to ‘shop’ (at no cost) for essential items donated by the NC community.

The Office of Sustainability, in partnership with Student Engagement and NC-TRAC, have regularly collected donations of pre-loved and reusable items that students need, including clothing, housewares, personal care items, school supplies, books, art, décor items, and small appliances. Remaining materials are passed on to local charities.

“Niagara College is proud to be recognized as a finalist for the International Green Gown Awards,” said Taryn Wilkinson, Manager of Sustainability. “Our Free Store is not just an initiative, it’s a movement, and it has been made possible through the giving and caring spirit of our NC community. We share this recognition with every student and employee who has brought in their used goods for the betterment of our community and the environment.”

The Free Store model – which supports the College’s broader Sustainability Plan – has created opportunities for students and employees to extend the lifecycle of our things. Beyond sustainability, the Free Store is about equity, breaking down barriers to education and supporting student wellbeing.

The initiative promotes economic justice by alleviating financial burdens and meeting students’ needs without additional cost, encouraging better waste practices by extending the lifecycle of usable goods, and reducing unnecessary consumption habits.

In June, the Free Store model was mobilized to help more than 600 Indigenous wildfire evacuees from northern Ontario who were sheltering in Niagara Falls.

The model was recently expanded to address food insecurity. In partnership with the United Way Garden Hub at NC, fresh produce was harvested and made available to students.

NC is among 97 finalists from 59 institutions and 27 countries. Winners of the International Green Gown Awards will be announced in October.