Marketplace Reform!

So, talking about all the energy, effort, and money that is going into the solar panel got me thinking about ways to make our school green. Of course the solar panel is a huge project that will have a big impact environmentally as well as economically. It will also bring attention to our school and maybe make it more appealing to future students.
However, I think small efforts should also be welcomed, efforts in which the students can have a say and a part. I was recently reading an article about ways in which some colleges have tried to go green, and I found a particular thing that caught my attention: Biodegradable utensils and reusable to-go containers. This caught my attention, because it is such a simple thing, that must of us don’t think about it, even while we are pouring food on our plastic containers. Currently the market place has plastic utensils and plastic to-go containers. On average people get food to go at least two times a week, making use of these plastic containers and then just throwing them away. This is a huge waste, both environmentally and economically.
As a solution to this problem, one of the colleges introduced the use of the Eco-Clamshell. This is a plastic container that can be reused, put in the microwave and the dishwasher. Students are given one box, and each time they go to the cafeteria they have to bring it with them, they exchange the used one for a clean one at the front and then get all the food they want. Now I realize that this system might need a lot of work to begin with (purchasing the Eco-Clamshells, changing the marketplace structure to accommodate the new system, etc), but once implemented the benefits will start to show. Another thing being implemented across campuses is the use of “Tater-Ware.” Like the name suggests, the Tater-Ware coffee lids are made from potatoes. The lids, as well as the Ecotainer coffee cups, are petroleum-free, and can break down over time in compost piles. And given the fact that we already have a compost pile on campus, the use of the “Tater-Ware” would be a great idea.
Also, the use of trays at the marketplace, wastes a lot of water. It would not be that hard for students to survive without trays and we would be saving the school a lot of money in electricity and water and helping the environment.
Now, I think all these ideas are GREAT! And easy to implement if we have the support of the students. Now, I’m not going to lie, it might be a little bit of a pain to not have trays at the marketplace or to have to carry your to-go container, but I think we would be able to publicize and promote these changes in such a way that instead of feeling like a pain they feel like something new and innovative that our school is doing. We can make the students feel like they are part of a progressive movement and make them feel excited about it.

*Kliah*