Summary: First DSUSO Meeting With Rochelle Owen

Hi everyone,

I wish to communicate the following points of interest which came out of last week's meeting with Dalhousie's Sustainability Coordinator, Rochelle Owen:

1. Rochelle is working hard to procure funding for sustainability based initiatives and possible student employment - and will keep DSUSO updated as to her success level.

2. A significant portion of time was spent discussing the Gazette's "Unsustainable" article (relating to the DSUSO). The purpose of this portion of the discussion was to generate a better reality of DSUSO's mandate, clear up multiple article inaccuracies, as well as communicate the varying levels of student/society involvement in campus sustainability issues.

3. Cheaper double sided printing in computer labs - an concern was raised over why it's not cheaper to print double sided in computer labs when, after all, you're using less paper. Rochelle informed DSUSO that the majority of printing cost arise from toner expenses. Toner cost far outweighs the cost of paper. However, there is currently a study being undertaken to address this exact issue (i.e. feasibility of reducing double sided printing costs) and the results will be made available by mid-April, 2008.

4. Green Week '08 - As Dalhousie's Directory of Sustainability, Rochelle is excited to participate in Green Week activities. She has put forth the possibility of presenting a documentary on sustainability and/or holding a talk on "Energy Star" information. She is also open to suggestions on how her office should be participating in Green Week... so let the ideas roll in!

5. Lastly, Rochelle informed DSUSO that while a large diversity of student sustainability campaigns is essential to a healthy campus, it would also be of benefit to have students unite in support of 2-3 issues of concern. Organizing around and representing a few major issues can draw greater levels of attention towards your cause. Furthermore, Rochelle has a great interest in communicating and cross-coordinating sustainability interests and efforts with students (refer to point #1). Being on the same page helps everybody...


If anyone has a greater interest in the topic matter of the first DSUSO/Rochelle Owen meeting, please contact DSUSO at: dsu.sustain@dal.ca

As well, it should be noted that the second meeting will take place Wednesday, February 13th 2008.