With the simple goal of “less waste and more creativity,” Sustainability Coordinator Sarah Webb and the Office of Campus Planning and Sustainability (OCPS) are leading the University of Victoria toward a smaller environmental footprint, from mugs, to student care packages to innovative and sustainable building practices.
You don’t have to spend much time on campus to realize that the environment plays an important role in UVic culture. Maybe it’s all the green space or the plethora of bicycles lined up at the racks, but there is something tangible about the connection between the physical space and the espirit de corps of UVic's community.
With ecological, social and economic sustainability as the areas of focus, Webb has taken the lead on many of the green initiatives in which students, staff and faculty can participate. Her office coordinates a range of sustainable events, from the "Bike to Work Day" to the naturescape project, connecting UVic grounds employees to students in the restoration of natural systems program.
Recently, the OCPS, in conjunction with the UVic Bookstore, launched the Lug-A-Mug campaign to reduce the amount of waste generated by disposable beverage containers. For just $5, anyone can buy a stainless steel mug featuring the UVic logo and the tag line “saving our planet, one cup at a time.” While the reduction of waste provides a long-term, environmental benefit, those using the mug to collect their morning java fix will also benefit from a discount at the register.
Building on the success of the Lug-A-Mug initiative, one of the upcoming initiatives from Webb's department is the “Healthy Students-Healthy Planet” care package. This green care package will incorporate a bundle of products that promote health and wellness along with environmentally responsible behavior.
“The care packages will introduce students to the array of green products available on campus and in the community,” says Webb.
The planned contents combine fun and functional items – potentially including a travel mug, organic foods, eco-friendly school supplies and personal health products. When the packages are ready next year, parents can visit the UVic Bookstore website at www.uvicbookstore.ca to order and send a package to their student. While the Residence Life Office has been involved with the initial planning process, the goal is to have the care packages available for both on- and off-campus students. The "healthy students-healthy planet" packages should be available in the fall of 2008.
The University’s strategic plan, A Vision for the Future-Building on Strength, identifies “responsible environmental stewardship” as a long-term goal for UVic. In line with this institutional focus, Justin Kohlman, director of marketing, facilitated the Globe and Mail's University Report Card survey of UVic's current student population in 2006 and found environmental consciousness to be one of the top characteristics with which students self-identify.
There is no doubt that students and their parents can have a positive environmental ripple on the community through the choices they make. Webb's hope is that UVic's commitment to sustainability will encourage the wider community to adopt a healthier attitude toward the environment. At the very least, the Lug-A-Mug and the Healthy Student-Healthy Planet care package are UVic's way of making it easier for parents to participate.
Originally published in Volume 1, Issue 1 of the Fountain, November 2007