The power of environmental sustainability initiatives championed by individuals, departments and clubs at The University of Western Ontario should not be underestimated.
Jen McDonald and Thom Luloff, members of the student-run EnviroWestern group, work on the GROW (Growing Roots Over Western) garden, where members participate by growing their own lot of food, and then harvesting and sharing at the end. The garden began growing in 2005.
Will Bortolin, EnviroWestern Coordinator has noticed a definite trend increase in interest in environmental issues on campus.
One tangible indicator comes from membership in the EnviroWestern club itself.
According to Bortolin, “The membership in this club three years ago stood at around 200, this year we have 1,350 registered.” He adds, “Another indicator of interest in the environment is highlighted by the fact I’ve experienced a noticeable increase in questions from student media, other campus media, as well as media from outside of Western.”
Which environmental issues get addressed on campus tend to come from the issues that bubble up through society. Specific concerns gain momentum and people on campus and beyond look for ways to address these challenges.
An example of this almost viral spreading of issues can be seen in the use of plastic bags.
“Two years ago the use of plastic bags was barely on the horizon. Very quickly the issue took on a new life and a variety of innovative programs like the one introduced by the Campus Bookstore were implemented to assist in the reduction of use of plastic bags,” says Bortolin.
The success of this initiative alone was impressive, according to Carolyn Young, Communications Manager for Western Retail Services. “Our customers diverted 25,000 plastic bags from going into London landfills and for every bag a customer declined five cents was donated to ReForest London resulting in a $1,000 donation.”
Name an environmental issue and chances are high someone or some group on campus is looking at ways to address it. From the faculty member who purchases wind power credits to offset the power consumption of presentation equipment while teaching, to graphic designer Kelly Hunt who spearheaded the campus-wide adoption of FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)-certified paper.
Key drivers like these help move and challenge all members of the campus community to understand key environmental issues and examine ways to reduce our individual and collective footprint.
Often these initiatives get their start as individual or group commitments outside the university structure, then by sheer force of willpower push themselves onto the institution’s agenda.
Other Projects
Five-year Lighting Retrofit Project
LEED design in building and renovation projects
EnviroWestern Waste Audits
Hospitality Services eliminate use of styrofoam