Spring Break
Letters to the editor: Trayless Tuesdays: Going "green" is never easy
Issue date: 5/9/08 Section: Ed-Op
Dear Editor,
In Stacy Litz's commentary, "New dining center's 'Trayless Tuesday' policy stirs debate" in the April 25 edition of The Triangle, she quoted freshman Ilana Morrison, whom I think has it exactly right: "I really don't mind Trayless Tuesdays because I always keep in mind that it's for a good cause, even if it is inconvenient."
There is nothing about "going green" that is either comfortable or convenient; by definition, paying attention to the environment will increase costs to all, at least in the immediate term, because it seeks to include in the price of goods and services the damage inflicted on our commonly-owned natural resources, where the market price has thus far been zero.
Litz also had it right when she noted that "education may be the best way of dealing with environmental issues" - but that, too, is what Trayless Tuesdays is all about. There are signs up every Tuesday in the dining hall explaining the huge, long-term health problems caused by over-eating, and the amazing savings in food not wasted, water not used and waste streams not having to be treated.
And I totally agree with Litz's conclusion: "Perhaps there are better ways to save the environment than taking away trays." Our environment here at Drexel, and wherever our students will go to live, work and play, will be made greener one blade of grass at a time. Trayless Tuesdays is just one of those blades.
If you have ideas, join the scores of students, faculty and staff now working with Drexel Green at www.drexel.edu/sustainability.
Engage your minds as well as your stomachs in the effort.
Tobey Oxholm
Executive Vice President
Drexel University
In Stacy Litz's commentary, "New dining center's 'Trayless Tuesday' policy stirs debate" in the April 25 edition of The Triangle, she quoted freshman Ilana Morrison, whom I think has it exactly right: "I really don't mind Trayless Tuesdays because I always keep in mind that it's for a good cause, even if it is inconvenient."
There is nothing about "going green" that is either comfortable or convenient; by definition, paying attention to the environment will increase costs to all, at least in the immediate term, because it seeks to include in the price of goods and services the damage inflicted on our commonly-owned natural resources, where the market price has thus far been zero.
Litz also had it right when she noted that "education may be the best way of dealing with environmental issues" - but that, too, is what Trayless Tuesdays is all about. There are signs up every Tuesday in the dining hall explaining the huge, long-term health problems caused by over-eating, and the amazing savings in food not wasted, water not used and waste streams not having to be treated.
And I totally agree with Litz's conclusion: "Perhaps there are better ways to save the environment than taking away trays." Our environment here at Drexel, and wherever our students will go to live, work and play, will be made greener one blade of grass at a time. Trayless Tuesdays is just one of those blades.
If you have ideas, join the scores of students, faculty and staff now working with Drexel Green at www.drexel.edu/sustainability.
Engage your minds as well as your stomachs in the effort.
Tobey Oxholm
Executive Vice President
Drexel University
Be the first to comment on this story