Sustainability Week: April 21-25, 2008
This project was intiated by students in the "Social Values, Sustainability, and Entrepreneurship" class taught by Dr. Dilip Kondepudi and Dr. Herman Rapaport. Students Rob Abraham, Paurush Babbar, Andrew Britt, Billy Brown, Carolyn Harbaugh, and Afton Vechery have worked closely with the Aramark Corporation and Jim Alty, Wake Forest Facilities to have this week. Below is a list of planned initatives, and the schedule can be found on the mission page.
"To-Go" Sustainably
This initative aims to replace Styrofoam to-go materials in the Fresh Food Company, Wake Forest's primary dining facility, with biodegradable alternatives. In an average week anywhere from 1,500 to 2,500 to-go containers are used. Aramark has been very helpful in committing to make the long-term switch to biodegradable materials. During sustainability week this change should be a very visible demonstration of changes that need to happen and, hopefully, will happen in the near future.
Pollin' at the PIT
During sustainability week we will set up computers at tables in the entrance to the Fresh Food Company, where students can fill out a survey about the importance of sustainable practices on campus. We will present the results of this polling to Aramark and publish them on this website, hopefully spurring further progressive practices throuhout campus.
Drink Sustainably
We will have 32-oz. bottles with a “Drink Sustainably” logo for sale throughout the week activities on the Magnolia quad. These bottles will discourage the use of wasteful bottles and cups. They will be sold for $7, and we will donate $1 from each bottle to campus kitchen.
Paint & Recycle
Wake Forest facilities will provide around 200 blue recycling bins for students on the Magnolia Quad on Tuesday from 11 to 1 and Wednesday from 1 to 3. Sudents will be able to customize these bins with eco-friendly paint supplies, or take one that has already been decorated by volunteer art majors. Students can use these in their dorms or take them to off-campus apartments.
The Electric Cart
Under the direction of Jim Alty Wake Forest facilities is agreesively pursuing more sustainable practices. One of the most interesting reforms is the potential purchas of electric carts, which will replace current gas-powered vehicles used throughout campus. On Thursday and Friday a prototype cart will be placed on the Magnolia Quad from 11 to 3. Facilities will also display recently purchased "green" cleaning supplies and posters with recylcing statistics.
The Sustainable Cafeteria Poster Series
This poster series will illustrate ideas about what a completely sustainable cafeteria could look like. The posters will be placed throughout campus and specifically in dining facilities.
Sustainable Pledge Card
Students will be able to fill out a pledge card in the Fresh Food Dining Facility during Sustainabiliy Week, committing to simple lifestyle changes that are more sustainable.
Sustainable Dining Sessions with Kate
Join nutritionist Kate Ruley for 20 minute informational sessions on sustainable products and healthy eating on campus. April 23 at 10:30am and April 24 at 4:15pm in the Fresh Food Company.