This blog entry is probably echoing remnants of inspiration from David Suzuki’s speech at the FLICK OFF finale in Ottawa, but since then I’ve been thinking more and more about my commitment to reduce carbon emissions. I’m definitely switching to reusable water bottles (especially since I scored a sweet aluminum one for free at the concert). I’ve been making sure to flick off all of my electronics, laptop, printer, tv and (enviro-friendly) lights… I’ve even been on the lookout for leaky taps!

While the small changes I’ve made may have only benefited the environment in a miniscule way, I know at least it’s a step in the right direction. But as I notice the lights in commercial buildings outside my apartment flicker on and off throughout the night, I can’t help but think that
there’s something troubling about the lack of green-efforts coming from the private sector.

It’s no question that the private sector is largely responsible for carbon-emissions and waste, but the feat of challenging a multinational corporation over its green policies would be a huge undertaking. As students, I think there’s an easier way to lobby for changes for the greater environmental good. As students, an easy way to act is within the organizations, companies, institutions that we are already a part of! Are they being socially responsible? Are they being accountable to the communities in which they operate? If we can rally for lower tuition costs, surely we can mobilize student groups to pressure companies, organizations and institutions who aren’t supporting the movement to reduce carbon emissions!

But where to start?

For a few years now, I’ve been hearing that the University of Ottawa is a green campus, a paperless campus, one dedicated to promoting green practices throughout. But I’m starting to wonder how much my student federation is actually doing to deliver on these claims.

I still receive a paper syllabus in all of my classes. I’m required to submit hard-copy (paper) format. I have never been given the option to purchase an e-book. Vending machines on campus still sell plastic water bottles… so what action has really be taken to make uOttawa green?

As a member by default of the student federation (a flawed system in my eyes and another blog for another time), I wanted to see what my student federation was doing about the environment…
Ironic that this particular month I take notice of how environmentally un-friendly my campus is because the student federation at uOttawa has declared the month of October: “Green Weeks”.

I checked out the University of Ottawa’s Student Federation to see what green policies were actually in place. I was somewhat disappointed to see that few of the “initiatives” entailed real action. Instead, it looks like students at uOttawa can look forward to a ‘green website’, a new framework and improved recycling at the SFUO headquarters.

Student federations are supposed to act in the interest of its students. Find out what your student federation is doing to protect our environment. Are some campuses doing it right?