I came across this article on CNN.com when I was surfing last week…
http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/08/26/trayless.colleges.ap/index.html
I had to laugh to myself.
I think people are (partially) missing the boat on what it means to be green.
Sure, I get the idea that getting rid of trays in cafeterias is supposed to cut energy and water, even keeping “water-polluting detergents” to a minimum. HOWEVER I firmly believe that these “major food vendors” that they speak of in the article are the same ones that are pushing individually-packaged items onto these college campuses. The dishwashers and kitchen staff will be getting laid off, as their jobs are now obsolete. Nice, especially in this awesome economy we’re experiencing right now! The trays are simply being replaced with plates in some areas, which are being dropped and broken, and that leads to more $$$ being spent by colleges that are already pressed for cash. Aramark (www.aramark.com) conducted the study listed, and they appear to have convinced quite a few campuses to follow their master plan. All fine and dandy, except that instead of using trays, the kids will now have to resort to something else to carry their food. Where might they find that?! Hmmmmm.
Aramark has the following blurb on their “Environmental Stewardship” page, under “Social Responsibility”:
“Waste Management
The responsible management of emissions and waste are requirements to sustain and restore our natural resources and the communities in which we serve. We are committed to minimizing our environmental footprint by promoting and practicing waste reduction, reuse, and recycling in our operations and those of our clients.”
Ok. I didn’t realize plastic wrap from chips or doughnuts were recyclable. Pushing large institutions towards prepackaged crap in pursuit of the almighty dollar is neither healthy for the consumer, nor “green.” I wonder how all that extra garbage will be explained away as its being hauled off to the landfill. Well, I suppose the colleges themselves can be commended for the “green” effort, eh?
***Normally, I wouldn’t go back to edit a post like this, but rather than do another on the “green college” subject, I thought I’d just attach this link here. How green is YOUR college? Are your kids headed to the most eco-conscious school around? See the Princeton Review’s top 10, as well as a number of links to other Top 10 “Green” College lists, here…
http://green.yahoo.com/blog/greenpicks/198/how-green-is-your-college.html
Waste-Knot
~ tying ‘em down, ’til they give in for Mama Earth!
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