A Greener Campus?

In fall 2010 I started my first semester at Red River College.  It was quite a shock after spending two years studying at the University of Winnipeg.  The lack of environmental awareness throughout the campus, for students and staff alike, was alarming.  My time at the University of Winnipeg was enriched by fellow students being involved in environmental issues.  I was excited by initiatives taken by the university, such as a water bottle ban and a cafeteria featuring local and organically grown foods, to become a more environmentally aware and healthier campus. 

The main cafeteria at Red River College features a Tim Hortons and a fast food chicken chain store.  Not only are these not healthy options for students, but they also produce large amounts of plastic and paper waste.  Instead of reusable cutlery they offer a set of three utensils in plastic wrap at the till with each meal.  This is a huge amount of avoidable waste with every meal sold!  The student body at Red River College seems to lack the enthusiasm for positive environmental changes.  I do believe individuals can make a difference and I am attempting to do so by assisting a small group of students in support of a water bottle ban on campus.  If given the opportunity to travel to B.C. for the campus sustainability conference I know I would gain endless ideas as well as increase my excitement about making Red River a more sustainable campus.  Hopefully this excitement would be contagious and I could pass my enthusiasm on to my fellow students.  If the University of Winnipeg is capable of positive, greener changes so is the Red River College.  I am so excited to be part of this transformation.