The BU Sustainability organization is referred to by many activists on campus as being the “reusable mug movement.” Instead of focusing on institutional changes that could make a substantial impact (such as turning off all the lights in buildings after 9 p.m. or working toward funding renewable energy sources physically on campus), BU Sustainability uses green-washing as their ultimate solution.
Green-washing is a public relations tactic that fosters a false sense of contribution. The reality is that BU emits 60 metric tons of carbon dioxide every three hours; this is specifically noted on BU Sustainability’s website. BU Sustainability suggests that we carry a reusable shopping bag or purchase reusable containers for food in the GSU; however, nowhere in their “Ten Sustainable Action” tips is the suggestion to reduce meat intake, which is a certified direct contributor to climate change. BU Sustainability is lacking the initiative to make the leaps and bounds that such a project should aspire to.
To show our commitment to this endeavor, the BU Vegetarian Society requests the implementation of Meatless Mondays. If we have one Monday every month during which one or more of the dining halls serves only vegetarian meals, students would learn more about the impact their food choices have on our planet. Meat production wastes resources such as water, land and electricity; it pollutes the air we breathe and the water we drink. Ultimately, it is neither sustainable nor clean. The more students are exposed to vegetarian options the more likely they are to understand the benefits of vegetarianism – not only for themselves, but also for the environment.
Other large institutions have implemented Meatless Mondays, including New York University, Columbia University, Johns Hopkins University, University of Virginia, Yale University and many more. Shouldn’t we live up to the standards of fellow great institutions?
We must stop accepting mediocrity like claiming that we are affecting change to the best of our ability when we simply shop with reusable bags and recycle our water bottles. We must push for robust change on an institutional level.
Sincerely,
BU Vegetarian Society