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 Trent University Campuses will be Bottled Water-Free by Fall 2011FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Recently approved bottled water policy will ban sale of Thursday, September 2, 2010, Peterborough Trent is once again expanding its initiatives for environmental sustainability with the recent approval of a new bottled water policy that will ban the sale of single unit bottled water on the University’s campuses by the fall of 2011. The policy, which was recently approved by the administration at the University, was initiated by Trent student leaders earlier in 2010. Consultations were undertaken with several groups, including labour unions and college cabinets. A survey was also conducted with faculty and staff. Of the 600 students and 200 faculty and staff members who completed the survey, an overwhelming 80 per cent agreed with the TCSA’s commitment to see a ban on bottled water sales on campus. "The implementation of this policy shows what can be achieved when students and the University work together on a common goal,” said Sheldon Willerton, president of the Trent Central Students Association (TCSA). "This initiative is in line with Trent's new Centre of Knowledge in the Environment and further proves that Trent is a leader in environmental and social justice." Meri Kim Oliver, associate vice president of Student Services, added, “This policy reflects the latest in student initiatives that resulted in the No Sweat and Fair Trade policies and is a welcome addition to the progress seen to date.” Trent’s Bottled Water Policy aims to reduce environmental harm from the production of bottled water by encouraging the consumption of municipal tap water and banning sales on the University’s campuses. Existing products will be removed from vending machines, cafeterias and the Trent Bookstore and no single unit bottled water will be sold by any member, club and group, organization or administrative or academic department at the University. In support of the policy, Trent’s Physical Resources Department will install drinking water foundations in all buildings across campus, as resources permit. Leading up to the policy’s full implementation in fall 2011, the Trent community will be encouraged to implement the reduction of bottled water purchases and sales during the upcoming academic year. Students, faculty and staff will also have the opportunity to provide additional input and make final adjustments to the policy. -30- For more information, please contact: |
