Student involvement and collaboration were major themes at the Campus Sustainability Steering Committee in the River Front Center Friday evening.

The committee meets quarterly to share and discuss ideas, accomplishments, updates, and improvements that committee members generate within administrative units around campus.

Committee Chair Mike Christensen said the committee is always looking at viable economic solutions and the meeting was an example of those efforts.

“I’m very pleased with what we’re doing. People are taking initiative. We don’t tell them what to do – they go out and find it,” Christensen said. “All the arms on campus are communicating and working towards a common goal.”

ASI Farmers Market

The Green Team, established in 2010 by Associated Students Inc., is a coalition of on-campus clubs and organizations seeking sustainability involvement for students.

A farmers market concept was presented by Green Team member Matthew Pasqual to the committee for direction with University Transportation and Parking Services and Procurement Services representatives in attendance.

“Students don’t understand the importance of local produce and agriculture,” Pasqual said.

The market would be the team’s first collaborative project with a mission of focusing on healthy living, providing a “farm to plate” philosophy.

Vendors and food booths would spread word of the importance of local affordable produce, Pasqual said.

“This is a very innovative idea, and this is what (CSSC) wants,” said Christensen, vice president of risk management.

Reusable Totes at Togo’s

“Reusing has been a hot topic in our department,” said sustainability coordinator Jill Gellerman, Dining Services.

Dining Services has been promoting reusable bags and beverage containers with Togo’s.

Tote bags are available for 49 cents in the mini-size or 99 cents for the large. Customers receive 10 cents off a future sandwich purchase when using a tote bag.

Customers can also bring in any reusable drink container for 50 cents off a drink purchase. Customers who present their own drink container and tote bag receive $1 off sandwich and drink purchases.

For more information, visit enterprises.csus.edu/dining/index.html.

The Well gets energy award

The 2011 Sacramento Area Sustainable Business Award went to the Well during a ceremony held Thursday, hosted by the Business Environmental Resource Center. Last year, the American River Courtyard residence hall received the same honor.

This is Sac State’s second award from the center and one of several for the Well, including Gold status in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, issued by the United States Green Building Council.

The Well reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 168 tons last year, said Facilities Services director Linda Hafar.

SMUD awarded $75,000 to the campus earlier this year for exceeding state guidelines for building energy efficiency.

Procurement and paper

Brandy Palm, environmental science major, presented the Forest Stewardship Council’s paper recycling standards and how to mitigate irresponsible vendor contracts.

“We want to stop Asia Pulp & Paper from coming on to college campuses,” Palm said.

The Thailand-based company has allegedly practiced clear-cutting rainforests and is focusing marketing efforts on college campuses in North America.

“A sustainable product procurement policy is already in place stopping APP from coming on campus,” Guion said.

To review paper suppliers certified by Forest Stewardship Council, go to www.fscus.org/paper.

Poul Larsen can be reached at [email protected]