By Lauren Seynhaeve
On Feb. 1, University of Portland will be the first college or university on the West Coast to eliminate plastic water bottle sales on campus.
"The University of Portland takes seriously its commitment to being a good steward of the planet," said University President Fr. E. William Beauchamp, C.S.C., in a press release. "This will not only reduce the amount of waste generated on our campus but will help focus attention on the critical issues of sustainability and water rights."
The school will no longer sell plastic water bottles, in an effort to seriously reduce the waste on campus.
Last year alone, 53,112 water bottles were consumed on The Bluff, and less than 25 percent of plastic water bottles are properly recycled, according to statistics provided by the University.
"It's something we need to do," said Bon Appétit general manager Kirk Mustain in a press release. "It's a goal that is attainable, and water is becoming a key issue worldwide. Sustainability is important on our campus and for Bon Appétit."
On March 26-28, UP will host Confluences: Water & Justice, which is a conference bringing the nation's pundits on environmental justice, protection, science, theology, business and others regarding water issues.
For more information on the conference, please visit pilots.up.edu/web/confluences.
