Recycling at Brunel From Samuel
Samuel K. Stanley
Sorry for being out of touch recently, I have been busy with one thing or another. As I am sure we all have. I thought it was time to provide a brief update on the work going on at Brunel, as far as I am involved with anyhow. I would also like to gather your thoughts on a few issues. I am aware that some of the people who received this email are not related to Brunel University, but I am still interested in your views of what's happening here. I would hope that some of the information is at least useful in your locations.
Firstly, we have completed the research into the potential for improved recycling in the University, in those area that handle food products. This study covered the following areas: Bar Zest, Bar Hub, the whole of the S.U. including Loco's, Café Rococo, and the refectory both front and back of house. These each have their own report, but the sum of the findings can be found in the attached document: final report. Could you please take a look at it and forward me your views. I have forwarded it to Peter Beresford (Estates) and Howard Shearer (Hospitality) and am waiting for their response. My hope is that they will see that contaminating Grundon's compactor with food waste, we are preventing the recyclable materials from being collected. The installation of separate food containers would dramatically improve the rate of recycling, given the current system under Grundon Waste Company. Home composting is being explored, but there are a few issues with the council that are holding things up. However it does look likely that there will be the facility to compost all our food waste (bones and all) on site and therefore take the strain off landfill.
Next is the development of an environmental policy for the Students Union. Brunel is so far behind in managing its environmental responsibilities; we really have to start from scratch. As such, having a policy that outlines where the SU aims to go is essential. A motion was passed through congress to 'be greener' and now it is time to do the work. I have received the S.U.'s draft environmental policy from the President (Josef) and we would really appreciate your views on it. Please let me know if there is anything that you feel should be in the policy. If you are not from Brunel, please suggest things that are in your SU environmental policy that we would benefit from. I would also be interested to hear if there have been any difficulties you have experienced in or due to your environmental policy.
Recycling office paper through the use of desk-end, furniture style, collection boxes (supplied by Confi-shred) are being trialled in the Library, the Halsbury building (Earth Sciences) and the Wilfred-Brown building (main office for Uni). I expect this to roll out across the Uni within the next few months. Recycling in the Halls of residence is still being trialled in a few buildings, and following further research; I hope we can roll this out also.
Thank you for your time, and I hope to hear you views on the research and on the environmental policy.
Cheers,
Samuel