Hi. My name is Mariah Myers and I am a student at the University of
Arkansas. I am the president of the Sierra Student Coaltion at the
University and we are currently working on a campaign to change the
containers used in our student union.
Last year a new company took over the food services on our campus and
expanded our student union. Previously in the Union food servery, reusable
dishware was used, but since the renovation, the new company is using all
disposables. Plastic plate and forks, paper cups, Styrofoam cups, and
Styrofoam take-out containers. We have sent them a letter asking about
their new policies and will be meeting with them soon to discuss
alternatives.
Before meeting with them on this issue, we want to be as informed as
possible about alternatives to disposables, what disposables are really
the least environmentally harmful, etc.
I was wondering if you could provide me with any information or
talking points on these issues. I have always been told how bad Styrofoam
is and one of my biggest complaints about the new service is their use of
Styrofoam, but I guess I really don't know all the reasons why it is worse
than paper products. Can you suggest any resources for us to find this
information? I would really appreciate any suggestions that you could
offer to our group on our campaign. Thanks so much. I look forward
to hearing back from you.
Mariah Myers