ETF Meeting January 15, 2008

Attending: Chuck Wagers, Lyn Loveless, Julia Hendrickson, Nick Kardulias, Jennifer McMullen, Margo Curl, Peter Schantz, Katherine Bell, Hannah Matthews, Sophie Lehman, Amber Phillips, Dan Indovina, Susan Clayton, Evan Heidtmann

Chuck Wagers gave an update on progress with dining services. Most significant is the introduction of a reusable mug program. Each student will be issued a mug; every time they buy a beverage their old mug will be collected to be cleaned and they will get a new one. Using the reusable mug will provide a price discount.

Dining services have also reduced their use of disposable cutlery and crockery, moving toward non- disposable items where possible, most notably in Mom's Truckstop. They have started using biodegradable, compostable trash can liners. To evaluate the liners' effectiveness, Paul Edmiston in Chemistry reviewed the manufacturer's ecological assessment, which was prepared based on testing and documentation from an independent research lab.

There are new trash cans, which will be circulated with any catering order, that have informational labels to assure people that items placed in them will be recycling.

We discussed the possibility of eliminating free bags for food purchases. Students could be issued reusable bags, or they could be required to pay for bags if they want one. This will encourage them to consider whether they really need a bag.

Lyn Loveless gave a brief update on the presidential inauguration. There is some attempt to make it "green," by providing reusable mugs and using recycled paper. Lyn is also working with them to make floral decorations from locally available materials. We have not received word of any overall plan for portraying the ceremony as green.

Chuck gave some information about the biofuel initiative. There has been a formal proposal to CCI to produce biofuel from waste oil. Beau Mastrine has agreed to try running one of his tractors on biofuel this spring to see how well it works.

Peter Schantz will host a tour of the power plant at 4 pm on January 28th. Those interested in attending should e-mail Susan Clayton so Peter can have a head count ahead of time.

Susan described the Focus the Nation effort for January 31st, and encouraged people to keep on the alert for more information.

Jennifer McMullen is working on the ETF website, and would appreciate feedback and suggestions.

Lyn and Peter have been discussing the environmental sustainability statement, and expect to present that at the next meeting.

We should consider an energy competition, similar to last year's effort. February might be an ideal month. The energy use subcommittee will discuss this at their next meeting.

There is a proposal in the works to upgrade Babcock in terms of energy efficiency, and the possibility for ETF to have input. Peter Schantz will update us at the next meeting.

The next meeting will be Tuesday, February 12th at 8 am.