Sustainability Initiatives in MSU Services
Sustainability initiatives in MSU services aim to reduce waste, promote eco-friendly practices, and enhance environmental consciousness. Services like The Silhouette, The Underground, TwelvEighty, Union Market, and The Grind are implementing strategies such as shifting to online platforms, reducing paper usage, reusing materials, and minimizing plastic waste. These efforts reflect a commitment to sustainable practices and a greener campus environment.
Download Presentation
Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. Download presentation by click this link. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.
E N D
Presentation Transcript
Sustainability in the MSU Belani Wanniarachchi, Omar Shahid, Syed Muhammad Ali Salman, Zain Siddiqui
Agenda Recommendations The Process 5 1 Next Steps 2 6 MSU Services 3 Objectives 4 Challenges
The Process Consultations with 5 MSU Services
The Process Create 1-page service reports Create Interview Guide Step 4 Step 3 Step 1 Step 2 Conduct Interviews with Services Follow-up and Feedback
MSU Services The Sil, Underground, TwelvEighty, Union Market, and The Grind
The Underground The Silhouette Full-service media, design & print shop Located in the basement of the McMaster Students Centre McMaster's official student-run newspaper Underwentgradual reduction in paper usage Print publication isnow a supplementary aspect Currently pushing moreawareness in digital platforms Reduce waste by reusing and recyclingany, and all materials that are received Bar & Grill restaurant located in the basement of McMaster's student centre Currently offering takeout and curbside pick-uporders Reducing food waste through cross-use ofitems on menu and through recycling itemsand purchasing the most eco-friendly takeout materials Caf and food service store Offering services/food with minimal impact on the environment Implementing environmentally friendly practicessuch as recycling, composting, and eliminating plastic straws TwelvEighty Union Market & The Grind
Objectives Highlighting the sustainability goals of each MSU service
The Silhouette The Underground Shift the service to an online platformand cut paper completely from the Sil (alternative: 1-2 issues/year) Build strategic planning team for long-term interests of the Sil Obtain more recycled paper Uptake in business once more people return to campus Havingthorough recycling practices from the TwelvEightythrough to MSU custodial staff sorting waste items Obtaincups which can bewashed/reused Decrease plastic and aluminumas much as possible Obtain pop machine with recyclable cups Obtaining a backup powersourceto use in the event of power outages toprevent food waste TwelvEighty Union Market & The Grind
Challenges Barriers that prevent each MSU service from achieving sustainability goals
The Underground The Silhouette Low Budget Decline in customers due to COVID-19 and less people being on the McMaster campus Difficulty in ensuring visibility and presence on campus Lack of strategic planning Difficulty in restructuring online and production teams Historical "Tug of War" in decision- making Trying to balance increased paper use while moving to more sustainable practices Current fundingand finances don t allow for quality equipment Misalignment of recycling initiativesat TwelvEightyand the university as a whole Reliance on the universityfor control of power source for appliances COVID is a barrier No currently designatedshort-term orlong- termplanners in terms ofsustainability TwelvEighty Union Market & The Grind
Recommendations What can the MSU do to help?
The Underground The Silhouette Facilitate new strategic planning positions Create budgetary supportfor eco- friendly paper purchases Boost engagementand visibility via online platforms Restructure multimedia teamfor smoother transition to a100% online service Having the MSU advocate for the university to alignall their recycling and waste management practices to reduce waste of recycling efforts from TwelvEighty MSU providing a backup power generator and alarm systemto reduce food waste from the refrigerator Discuss a partnership with the McMaster University to buy paper together to save cost and buy in bulk at better prices Create a policy outlining type of paper, percentage recycled etc. that the print shop can follow to save costs Provide larger budget Giving clear direction with regards to what the MSU expectsand where they want to go from here Audit unitsto give morespecificfeedback wouldenlighten the services A more lucrativebudget plan that allowsroom for moresustainable businesspractices TwelvEighty Union Market & The Grind
Next Steps Maintaining momentum with support and action plans
Next Steps Report back to services and send transition packages Obtain feedback and possible action steps for each service Create transition report package for each service Cycle transition packages to new SUSTAIN students
Thank You! Any questions?
