5 Tips for Implementing a Zero-Plastic Initiative at Your University

I am a student at a small, liberal arts university in the south, and I am currently working on a sustainability initiative with a small group to get rid of the plastic straws and plastic bags in one of our dining halls. This has proven to be a challenge when thinking of how to tackle the situation because these items are used so often without being conscious of the environment. With the guidance of our professor and project tips from the article “Bagging the Disposable Plastic Bag” from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), we have been working on a game plan for implementation. Although some may be obvious, I want to share a few things I have learned along the way.

1. Research, Research, Research!
   1. Our professor recommended we look through databases for successful projects similar to ours to find out what issues ran into and how to avoid them. A simple Google search can suffice, but AASHE can quickly provide multiple relevant resources instead of filtering through a Google search trying to determine what is and is not credible.
2. Take time to study how your own campus uses plastics
   1. Find a subtle spot in the place of action to observe when plastics are being used the most. For our dining hall, most students who dine in do not get plastic tops or straws for their single-use cups, but if they are taking their food and drinks elsewhere, they are much more likely to get bags, tops, and straws, even if they do not need them. This method can help you evaluate students’ needs and target a more specific campaign to students.
3. Approach stakeholders with collaboration and conversation
   1. No one likes to be told how they should run their business. It may be easy to rattle off statistics and say, “You have to make this change; I can’t believe you haven’t done this yet,” but this can make others feel like they are being attacked. Avoid a condescending tone when giving information because you want the other people feel like they have a say and can work with you, not for
4. Gradual change
   1. Something the article “Bagging the Disposable Plastic Bag” brought to my attention was the actual timeline of taking away the plastic products. In the project described by the article, the students working on the project took away the plastic bags one day without any warning, causing students to complain, and the food provider to bring back the bags. When the students tried again, they did a countdown until the bags were taken away, and students were more receptive to this. Also, talking to your friends about this issue may give you an insight as to how the general student population would feel about it.
5. Generate excitement and interest in the mission
   1. Incorporating students into the initiative and making them feel like they are individually making a difference will help students think more positively about it. You can post facts about plastic on campus and show that your individual university is making a difference, whether you are the first university in your area to do it or you’re joining a host of other universities already participating.

-Katherine Kristinik

 

Citation:

Cammarn, Grace, et al. “Bagging the Disposable Plastic Bag.” AASHE, Association for the

Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, 10 June 2016.

 

The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, The Association for

the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, 2018, www.aashe.org/.