Open Letter 3 (from Amy)
Hi Kyle,
Thanks for getting back to us about this, and I appreciate that you are including Dewey and I in this discussion.
I want to clarify that the first time we met about food service, I was trying to take a supportive stance for the ASU’s choice to not include Chartwells and was looking at the positive side of having Tim Hortons as a food service in the SUB. However, Tim Hortons in my mind was a fall-back, if no other suitable business could be found. Yes, they have agreed to work on a couple sustainability initiatives, including sponsoring a water fountain which would be great, however I think if you take everything into consideration it would be a step backwards for Acadia University on the Sustainability-front. As current Sustainability Office coordinator, I am going to pursue this issue in the interest of campus sustainability, as not only my constitutional obligation but also as my sincere concern.
If Tim Hortons were to come to Acadia, it would guarantee a massive increase in waste on campus, no matter how much we promoted use of reusable mugs. During the Roll-up-the-Rim season, there would be a lot of students who would want their shot at winning a car. The cups are also not recyclable in the Valley. In addition, the transportation associated with the food is a major sustainability concern that could be avoided where possible with an ASU/student-run business. I would refute that there has been concern in the past with Chartwell’s food – it is just not the majority of the students but rather the concerned few, and it is something that we as students have very little power over since it is a campus-wide food service. At the Student Union Building, we now have a perfect opportunity to avoid that, but Tim Hortons would be continuing this unnecessary trend. I understand that your choice of Tim Hortons is largely based on the popularity within student focus groups- however, A) was there an option given for a student-run, ASU-based business? B) Was there any mention of sustainability, or a breakdown of the pros and cons of each food provider? If your average student sees a list of choices, they will often not think of sustainability right away, but if the issue is brought up their decision may then take it into account. Usually, you are right, a student will first think of their pocket book and then what tastes best, not necessarily which option is less harmful for the planet or which one is healthier.
I had hoped that you would at least meet with Ricky, the TAN coffee business owner, to give an alternative a fair chance in this decision. Did you end up contacting Ricky since we last talked? I thought his business seemed like quite a reasonable alternative, and it would give the ASU much flexibility to make a business that is unique for students and a model of sustainability. **I found out tonight that Ricky would MATCH TIM HORTON’S PRICE for coffee, so you would not have to worry about that part**. Acadia University could be a pioneer in this situation, which would be great for its “Green Image”. I would also have hoped that this decision-process was communicated to the campus as a whole, with an open student survey showing all of the possible options. The AES and SO could promote the sustainability “report cards” of each business, so the necessary information is available to the students.
From the sounds of your e-mail, a lot of this may be water under the bridge. I am hoping that there is still room for student input in this decision, as I feel this could be a potential burden to campus sustainability. I am worried that Tim Hortons will not be consistent with what they have suggested once they have moved into the building, in addition to the issues I have re-iterated. How long is a contract with Tim Hortons?
If the contract is not yet signed, I would very much like to meet with you (and maybe another ASU representative?) about the situation. If possible, I would like to introduce you to Ricky who could provide you with information on the alternative. I can also think of one or two Arthur Irving Academy for the Environment representatives who would like to come to this meeting. Dewey may have been slightly inaccurate with his statement that Jodie the programs coordinator from the Academy was supportive of Tim Hortons. We met with her and others tonight at an Environmental Network meeting, and she has a checklist of sustainability initiatives she would like to see happen with whichever food service provider arrives in the SUB. We could present you with this list, which would be useful whether or not Tim Hortons has already been chosen. As signing a contract with Tim Hortons has large implications for sustainability on campus, I would encourage you to look at all other possibilities first (and in detail), before making a final decision.
Kyle, I would like to re-iterate what Dewey said about you doing an excellent job during your 2 year term as ASU president. I am impressed that you and the SRC are giving this much thought and consideration to campus sustainability, and am heartened that you are including us in this discussion. If the ASU could also seriously consider the business that would be the most rewarding to social and environmental sustainability, I would be very grateful. To actually chose that business, I would be pleasantly surprised and overwhelmed with happiness. Acadia University really gives me a great deal of hope with our sustainability as a species, in this World that is facing so many issues today.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Amy