8 ways Georgian helps the earth
Oct. 17, 2018
Here are eight ways Georgian works to support environmental sustainability on campus.
1. The Midland Campus has virtually eliminated the use of paper coffee cups. In June 2018, all staff and students received a reusable mug. People without reusable mugs can now borrow porcelain mugs stocked beside the coffee machine. Paper cups are the backup backup plan.
2. Several campus food providers are avoiding plastic straws. The First Class and The Last Class (student-run restaurants) don’t provide straws unless explicitly asked by customers. Chartwells cafeterias in Barrie, Orillia, Owen Sound and Midland have switched to paper straws.
3. The Barrie Campus has a community garden. This student-led project provides fresh kale, cherry tomatoes, lettuce and herbs to the Food Locker (student food bank) and Georgian Dining Room (student learning kitchen). Staff and students can pick produce, too.4
4. All campuses participate in the #GCKilltheCup contest. Staff, students, and faculty are invited to participate in the #GCKilltheCup social media contest by posting selfies with their reusable mugs during Waste Reduction Week and around Earth Day.
5. The Barrie Campus hosts an annual textile swap. Staff, students and faculty donate, buy, or swap gently used clothing. Any proceeds go to the Food Locker.
6. Larger campuses offer electronic waste and battery recycling. The Barrie Campus has a battery recycling bin all year round, in C building. Barrie, Orillia and Owen Sound campuses run e-waste recycling programs twice a year.
7. Many campuses host a spring cleanup. To mark Earth Day, campuses invite students, faculty, and staff to join forces and clear campus grounds of discarded garbage and recyclables.
8. Georgian staff and food partners are finding ways to compost food scraps. Several food providers at Barrie and Orillia campuses put food preparation scraps in green bins. Georgian employees can also access green bins in the staff lounge as well as some office areas.
Georgian is committed to sustainability. Environmental responsibility is even part of the college’s strategic plan! To learn more about the college’s green initiatives, check out GeorgianCollege.ca/environment.