By CAROLINE AURIGEMMA Copy Editor AND SARAH CLARK Staff Writer
Recently, the dining hall made a switch from plastic straws to paper, and then now to biodegradable. People may think this change is small, however, it can make a huge impact. As trash piles onto coastlines and pictures online surface, plastic straws are becoming an evident issue. Animals are also being impacted by the increase of straws, specifically sea turtles as the plastic gets stuck in their nostrils.
Marissa Scotti is a student at The College of Saint Rose and she wanted to make a change towards this issue. Finally, this semester, that was able to happen and students started to see paper straws become the norm in the cafeteria.
“I’m really glad the dining hall has chosen to switch to biodegradable straws,” says Scotti. Last year, she made a petition that students could sign towards the removal of plastic straws. Not only that, Rich Miegel and Chef John Tompkins previously tried to abolish the plastic straws because of the environmental hazard and them getting stuck in their dishwashers. “I feel really proud of the school for making the switch to biodegradable, regardless.”
However, there is still other waste being produced. As students have probably noticed, more paper plates, plastic cups, and cutlery has been utilized recently. This is due to complications with the dishwashing system which has yet to be fixed, according to Scotti. The high usage of paperware is not only costly, but it’s creating a lot more waste.
“I think this is an area that deserves some attention from students, faculty, and staff at Saint Rose, and should be regarded with some urgency,” says Scotti. She would also like to see students have access to composting on or near campus. “I know this was something the school attempted in the past, but maybe if it was something more supported by the student body it could really be sustainable.”
Ken Scott, Director of Community Service, is also eager to see change happen. He mentions the “Leading Green” mini-conference that will be April 5, at the SUNY Rockefeller College. This mini-conference is designed for non-profit organizations and their leaders to expand their knowledge on environmentalism.
“All institutions and organizations will need to become more aware and [change] current practices in the future,” says Scott. As for on campus awareness, Scott will host a climate summit on April 25, in the Hubbard Interfaith Sanctuary. Time and title will be announced at a later date. “Anyone that has seen images and videos of all the plastic waste filling up and polluting ecosystems everywhere on earth knows something has to change,” said Scott.
Saint Rose students are viewing this as a positive change. Emily Cruz, communications major, believes that the change from plastic straws to paper is a positive start, but there is still more to be done.
“They’re way better than plastics,” said Cruz. Although Cruz appreciates the efforts made to save our planet, she does think that there will still be a problem disposing paper straws because there is still waste created. “The best bet is to avoid straws all together or push/sell stainless steel ones,” said Cruz.
As change occurs on campus, students like Scotti who strive to make an effort are not finished fighting for change. As one issue is tackled, another must be faced. “I’d like to see what other kinds of actions we can take to lessen our harmful environmental impact,” says Scotti.
