Student Assembly

Whereas, Cornell University has signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, which pledges “Cornell University to a path toward climate neutrality enhancing our land-grant mission in support of a socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable society”; and

Whereas, the Student Assembly charter states under Appendix B Section I. “Each organization that receives funding from the Student Assembly (SA) is subject to Guidelines set by the Assembly in consultation with the Graduate & Professional Student Assembly (GPSA), these organizations, and the Cornell student body”; and

Whereas, the events held by student and other organizations receiving funding from the Student Activity Fee have an impact on the overall level of sustainability achieved by the University; and

Whereas, events that include the distribution of food generate recyclable materials and compostable organic wastes; and

Whereas, recycling and/or composting programs are in place for Cornell Dining, Campus Life, and Facility Operations; and

Whereas, such recycling and composting programs are often underutilized by student and other organizations;

Be it therefore resolved, that the Student Assembly recommends all organizations receiving funding allocated from the Student Activity Fee to request recycling and composting bins for registered events that are to include the distribution of food, so that waste may be properly sorted;

Be it further resolved, that the Student Assembly recommends that the Use of University Property (UUP) form be modified resulting in an automatic inclusion of recycling and compost bins for registered events at which food will be distributed;

Be it further resolved, that the Student Assembly recommends that all organizations receiving funding allocated form the Student Activity Fee use compostable plates, cutlery, cups, etc., if available, to promote the sustainable management of waste at registered events at which food will be distributed;

Be it finally resolved, that the Student Assembly recommends that all campus facilities be prepared to supply recycling and composting bins for all events registered by organizations which receive funding allocated from the Student Activity Fee.

Respectfully submitted,

Kristen Vitro ‘11
Cornell Dining Student Sustainability Coordinator

Ava Ryan ‘13
Cornell Dining Student Sustainability Coordinator

Jonathan Rau ‘12
Chair, Student Assembly Committee on Dining Services