‘How bad are bananas?’ reaches over 550 staff and students

15 people stood in front of the How Bad Are Banana's game in work clothing

Over 550 Open University (OU) staff and students have taken part in the ‘How bad are bananas?’ game in the last twelve months. The game was played at over 25 events, across the OU, with staff and students from all four nations in the UK taking part.

The ‘How Bad are Bananas’ game is a fun and engaging way to promote and prompt discussion around climate impacts with any audience. The game takes about 30 - 60 minutes and can be adapted for different formats (face-to-face, online, large or small groups) and audiences.

Based on the book of the same name by Mike Berners-Lee, the game covers the climate change impact of a whole range of commodities, activities, and events – from bananas to wildfires.

The OU Sustainability Office has been training facilitators for the game across the University, including all four nations.

The opportunity arose for Tushar Pai, Senior Project Manager at the OU, to present "How Bad Are Bananas? " to the teachers and governors of Heronshaw School in Milton Keynes. With the school's focus on sustainability, the session explored ways to introduce the concept of climate change to the children by first empowering the staff with the necessary knowledge around carbon literacy. The interactive session was engaging and challenged assumptions, reinforced actions, and aimed to enable informed choices for the future. It was inspiring to see the teachers passionately involved in the discussions and deeply analysing the carbon footprints of various everyday products.

Discussion in a classroom

From the The OU Student Association, Lou Robinson, VP Student Engagement, and Nichola Connolly, Student Volunteer have been championing the game for two years, even dressing up as a tomato and a banana for more engaging sessions!

The game is available to borrow and play with your friends, families, communities or work teams. It comes in two sizes – a ‘small’ hand-carry board game size, suitable for use around a table or in an office, or a ‘big’ two-meter square, self-assembly, ideal for away days and conferences in a large space.