Being More Sustainable at SLC
By Jadon Hook
With climate change and waste being major issues both in Canada and internationally SLC students, staff, and faculty can do things to mitigate their waste individually to minimize the total waste output collectively from the college. Here are 3 ways you can do this at the college!
Bring a Reusable Water Bottle- In Ontario alone one billion plastic water bottles are used and sent to landfill every year. Yes, recycling can help this but the number one way to reduce this number is for individuals to purchase a reusable bottle that not only keeps your water colder, but they look nicer too! With 23 hydration stations on the Kingston campus alone and many more at Brockville and Cornwall there is always a place to fill up with cold filtered water!
Utilize the Eco-Container and Eco-Mug Programs- Did you know when you buy food in the cafeteria instead of getting the cardboard container you can ask for a free reusable container that you will simply drop-off to be washed and reused again! The Eco-Mug program will save you 10 cents off your coffee/tea when you bring your own mug or bottle! Reducing waste while also saving money!
Take Part in the Community Initiatives- Whether volunteering or simply donating when these initiatives take place makes a big difference in waste diversion and building awareness for these student-run projects. Some of these projects include the Winter Coat Drive, permanent electronic waste collection site and community drives, Manage your Energy workshops and other innovative projects that students run to reduce waste in the community!
As a college we can collectively reduce our waste while building awareness around our communities to do the same so we may live a cleaner, greener and more sustainable present and future!
If you want to get involved in any of these initiatives or want to learn more please contact myself at jhook05@student.sl.on.ca