| Wednesday, May 16, 2012 |
|
Last Updated: Tuesday, April 27, 2010 2:16:24 PM ET
Queen's Hospitality Services collaborates closely with student groups and organizations across campus to help make a greener Queen's. MCRC Sustainability Office: http://www.mcrcweb.org/v10/sustainability.php Queen's Hospitality Services teams up with food company's who strongly believe in sustainable responsibility. Through environmental conservation of materials it brings us one step closer to a positive change in the world. Tim Hortons: http://www.timhortons.com/ca/en/difference/3588.html Sustainability: The Better Tomorrow
Our primary focus is to minimize the amount of food waste that is generated in our dining operations. We understand that zero waste is not an achievable goal and we have turned our attention to the food waste generated here on campus. Phil Sparks carefully researched state of the art composting systems around the world and discovered a Korean technology that had developed a machine that could turn our food waste into a soil amendment in 14 hours. This equipment was not yet available in Canada and as a result had not been granted CSA approval. Sodexo imported the first unit, gained CSA approval and piloted a composter at Leonard Hall in 2008. The success of this pilot resulted in the installation of a large unit at Ban Righ Hall in the fall of 2009, soon to be joined by a large unit at Leonard Hall. The installation of these units will result in 95% diversion of food waste.
Early project supporters include Thousand Island-Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve, St. Lawrence College, Chef Michael Smith, Chef Jamie Kennedy and Foodshare Toronto My Farm’s attributes align with Queen’s University leadership reputation of Scholarship, Research, Social Purpose and Commitment to Students, Faculty, Alumni & Community. It also provides an opportunity to stimulate inquiry and learning, strengthen the student experience, demonstrate leadership in protecting the Environment and build community. The farm has seen cattle, pigs, and potatoes at various points in the past nine years. This year it yielded about 200 litres of tomatoes, chili sauce, and beets. Although My Farmrm’s size limits the amount of food that can make its way to students’ plates, the university plans on selling soups and stews made from the produce from a farmers market on campus. All proceeds will go to the Alma Mater Society’s food bank. Reg has always had the vision of using farm for educational purposes. "My thought was that we would turn it into a sustainability piece where we would teach kids how to grow food. I find that the younger generation doesn’t usually know where things come from." |
|||||||||||