Last December, the UA funded a recycling bin pilot program, providing all residents of Fisher-Hassenfeld with a free recycling bin. The distribution kick-off party was held just last Sunday abuzz with free food, rubber ducks, and bins. If gauged successful, it is our goal to implement this on a much larger level. Stay tuned!
At yesterday’s Sunday General Body Meeting, the UA passed three documents. You can find the full meeting minutes here!
On September 16th, the University released its Climate Action Plan, a plan to reduce the University’s carbon emissions and enhance sustainability. This was the result of over two years of work, including the appointment of a University Environmental Sustainability Coordinator, and the creation of a guiding group, the Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee (ESAC). Numerous University entities contributed to the development of the plan.
The Undergraduate Assembly, among other student groups, has made sustainability a core part of its mission through its housing, sustainability and facilities (HSF) committee. It has helped for coordinate outreach out the plan, hosting the Environmental Sustainability Coordinator, Dan Garofolo, for a town-hall style meeting. Student leaders from over campus were able to ask questions following an informative presentation.
The UA’s response to the Climate Action Plan focused on the principles of leadership, environmental effectiveness, and student involvement. It commended the University for its environmental policies, called upon the University to commit to carbon neutrality, recommended further energy conversation incentives, and urged the university to be work with students interested in sustainability, among other recommendations.
You can read the minutes from the meeting here.
The UA hopes to continue its work on sustainability. Those interested in getting involved can apply to be an associate member for the HSF committee.
The Climate Action Plan Resolution, authored by Dan Sanchez, was passed unanimously on Sunday, September 27, 2009. Discussion of this resolution and minutes from the meeting can be found here.
In honor of its recent renovations, our next meeting will be Sunday, October 4, 2009, at 9 PM in the MPR Room of DuBois College House!
Given the flagrant disregard for road rules observed by some in Philadelphia, riding a bike to and from Center City has often taken on the appearance of an extreme sport. Then, when you get to campus (alive if not unscathed), you’re hard pressed to ensure your bike isn’t stolen from its rack while you hastily check out a book from Van Pelt. You’re not even safe on your own two feet sometimes, as bike riders come whizzing down Locust Walk at 60 miles an hour, often in the middle of the day.
Thankfully, Penn is responding to the dangers and inconviences of biking:
