As climate change becomes an increasingly important issue, it is sensible for quality institutions such as Luther to find solutions to the problem. The proposal in the Student Senate for the elimination of cafeteria trays in the next year has drawn criticism from students studying on campus and abroad. While the proposal would provide for a reduction in carbon emissions on campus, there are many more sensible alternatives that would affect more positive changes both on campus and in the surrounding environment, while simultaneously maintaining the quality experience students and faculty have at Luther:

1. Remove the disposable plastic silverware and cups next to slushie/ice cream machines in the cafeteria.

2. Use reusable plastic cups for those who dine in Marty’s, while simultaneously offering disposable paper cups for those with to-go orders.

3. Sell reusable mugs for soft drink purchases in addition to the coffee mugs.

4. Reduce the number of copies printed of the weekly Chips newspaper.

5. Eliminate mass mailings to every student mailbox.

6. Promote the use of e-mail/electronic communications for campus-wide activities.

7. Promote the use of KATIE for assignments and reading instead of paper copies.

8. Purchase several more two-sided printer/copiers for student access.

9. Purchase automatic lighting systems for every campus office, classrooms and hallways.

10. Construct more restoration prairie and oak savannah.

11. Find alternative locations for the construction of a new aquatics center rather than destroying portions of Anderson Prairie.

12. Sell fuel-inefficient Luther fleet vehicles.

13. Buy hybrids for the Luther vehicle fleet.

14. Reduce the use of fuel-inefficient 15-passenger vans in the Luther vehicle fleet.

15. Reduce the overall Luther vehicle fleet.

16. Reduce the use of Security vans, promote bicycling for the Security Officers.

17. Mow campus grounds less frequently (every five days instead of every four).

18. Promote campus-wide use of bicycling.

19. Turn off the televisions in the Union when they are not being watched.

20. Plant more trees around campus.

There are many more pressing issues than cafeteria trays that could be discussed on campus, but this is an excellent opportunity to debate the role of the community in climate change and the possibility of sacrifice to benefit a global cause.

Scott Kelly
Student Committee for Sensible Carbon Reduction