Aramark Tray-less Cafeterias Update

Great news! Aramark's removal of cafeteria trays has been a major success. Students for the most part have gotten used to life without their little plastic helpers and in turn, there have been some quite positive outcomes. Here's a brief description of some of the good stuff:


- Aramark is saving approximately 1040 gallons (3936 litres) of water a day and approximately $13,000 worth of electricity. They're saving a little over 900,000 trays from being washed per school year.

This success has spurred Aramark onto further progress in the world of sustainability. Derrick Hines reports that:


- Aramark is working with Rochelle and Dal Facilities to convert their retail truck to run on 100% vegetable oil, a by product from the deep fryers.

- Aramark is increasing their use of locally grown/raised produce & proteins. They just signed on with Eden Valley Farms to use their poultry products - in fact they will set up a both in residence to help promote/educate students on their facilities. Aramark is also working with a local beef farmer to further increase local content.


So let's hear it for Aramark for taking the lead in this area! Apart from celebrating them silently, we can also support their effort with our patronage.

I wonder what Sodexho has been up to. Have they been keeping pace?

Rippin' Apart Garbage In Alberta...

Did you know that in Edmonton, Alberta every single bag of garbage, recycling and compost gets collected by the 'garbage man' and sent to a giant facility for complete and total separation? Pretty rad stuff - I and think, if memory serves me correctly, it increased the life of Edmonton's aging landfill by a few decades.

Well this and other related topics are the kind of stuff that you'll learn about at the "Waste - The Social Context '08" conference this summer. Sounds like a great opportunity for those of you headed West for the summer! Check it out below.

***************
From Joanna Klimowicz, Marketing & Communications Coordinator 780.442.6289:

We would like to let your students know about our upcoming conference, Waste-The Social Context '08: Urban Issues and Solutions. We're offering a special student rate of $100--something I'm sure your students would like to take advantage of, Waste-The Social Context '08 is less than two months away!

Join an international roster of researchers, waste practitioners, and public educators to explore the social, environmental, and economic forces driving waste management. The five-day program is packed with international paper presentations, workshops from leading practitioners, tours of world-class waste management facilities, a movie exhibition, design exhibition, book fair, and more.

Don't miss this rare opportunity to discover integrated solutions to one of the most pressing urban challenges of the 21st century! Register Now.

May 11-15, 2008 | Shaw Conference Centre | Edmonton, AB | www.conference.ewmce.com

DSUSO 2.0

Ladies & Gentlemen - last Thursday, March 13th 2008, the DSU along with the DSU Sustainability Office held an open meeting in order to solicit opinions on restructuring and re-mandating the Sustainability Office for the upcoming academic year.

A whole slough of great ideas and concepts were arrived at using the tried and true 'SWOT' analysis... you know, deciphering Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats in regard to the office.

At present, everything is being tabulated, computed, etc. The results (i.e. the new office format) will be presented to Dalhousie students in short order. Look for them soon!

Sincerely,
The DSUSO Team

A Lesson For Drivers... In Regard to Cyclists

This awareness test is just too good to NOT share with you. Take a few seconds and see if you pass the test:

http://www.dothetest.co.uk

SustainDal: A Message About Environmental Academic Programming

Dear Friends & Colleagues,

Many of you have expressed frustration & angst with the lack of sufficient Environmental Programming at Dalhousie. Perhaps you are in an environmental program or class yourself, but find it to be uninspiring or unstimulating, leaving you wanting more.

What you may not know, is that there is a NEW program in the making. It will be one of the MOST TRANSFORMATIVE programs related to ESS (Environment, Sustainability & Society) offered in Canada!!

A steering committee comprised of faculty & students (from many different disciplines) has been working on a new academic program focused on environment, sustainability & society (ESS) for Dalhousie over the past 2 years.

Many ideas have been shared, a weekend workshop was conducted and finally, a proposal is on the table.

Resources (monetary, time & other) have been put aside, & administration (including the university President) is waiting to make a move!

In brief, the core components of this program include (but are not limited to):

- an INTEGRATED UNDERGRADUATE Program
- a GRADUATE Constellation
- a shared COMMON SPACE
- actual COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
- Multidisciplinary, Team-Taught Classes
- Hands on, Experiential Learning



There is a short Vision document available, to have it emailed to you, contact:

sustaindal@dal.ca or dsu.sustain@dal.ca


As critical players in the university community with experience in university classes & operations YOUR INPUT IS NEEDED!

Don't let another student go through the system UNSATISFIED!

After reviewing the document, please send your comments, concerns and feedback
to:

Geri Marshall
gmarshall@dal.ca

and I will see that they are passed along to the steering committee!

Thank You for your Time!

Cheers,
Geri
SustainDal
Dalhousie University
Halifax, NS

Recognition of a Great Thing...

DSUSO would like to take a moment, while we've got your attention, to congratulate Dalhousie Facilities Management for making strides in the "going green" department. You see, Facilities Management has officially switched all it's cleaning products to environmentally friendly ones - that includes the entire campus! Good Stuff!

This is really great news and if you'd like to know more about the new supplier of Dalhousie's eco-friendly cleaning products, check out their website here:

http://www.avmorgreen.com/English/commitment.php

Or you can email Mark Costandi with Avmor instead at:

mcostandi@avmor.com

In the words of DSUSO's own, Emily Rideout, this move by Facilities Management is "super cool" :o)

A Very Nice Conference Announcement...

March 28-29

Ecoprise 2008 at Dalhousie University on March 28th-29th, 2008
The conference will span two days and will be hosted at Dalhousie University in
Halifax, Nova Scotia, March 28th-29th, 2008. Early bird registration closes
March 4. Conference sessions cover a range of topics from remediation, to
eco-design, socially responsible investing, clean energy, eco-efficiency, and
emerging green technologies. Full conference details are available at:

http://ecoprise2008.dal.ca

Dal Engineers Are At It Again!

The Dalhousie Chapter of Engineers Without Borders is bringing in Alexa McDonough to speak about corporate social responsibility. This should be a fantastic and informative event! Details are below:

Alexa McDonough
Speaking on Corporate Social Responsibility
with Presentations by Angela Alambets and David Erlandson Overseas Volunteers to Ghana

Wednesday March 19, 2008 7 - 9 pm Tickets $15 ($10 for students) Includes free drink and snacks T-Room (1360 Barrington St)

Tickets available at the Door, and Tuesday & Wednesday in the Alumni Lounge 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Sad Day... La Velada CANCELLED.

A message from the Dal Spanish Department and Spanish Student's Society

Due to circumstances beyond our control, the Department of Spanish and the Spanish Student's Society have decided to cancel this year's La Velada.

If you have purchased a ticket for La Velada, please come by the main office (McCain 3025) to pick up your full refund. Your ticket must be presented at the time of reimbursement. Refunds will be available between Wednesday, March 12th and Friday, March 14th.

We are very sorry that this wonderful event will not take place this year.


**********************************
The Department of Spanish
& the Spanish Student's Society

Pam Noseworthy
Administrative Secretary
Department of Spanish
Dalhousie University
tel: 902-494-3679
fax: 902-494-1997
pam.noseworthy@dal.ca
**********************************

DWC: Hosting a Bunch'a Workshops

The Dalhousie Women's Centre are hosting a 'host' of workshops (get it? host?). Have a look:


1. EXAM ANXIETY REDUCTION PROGRAM

Thursdays, March 13, 20, & 27, 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Do you feel so anxious before and/or during exams that you worry it stands in the way of your doing well? This programme is intended for students who experience disruptive anxiety before and/or during exams, despite having generally adequate study habits. The anxiety may be experienced in the form of sleeping problems, upset stomach, etc… The anxiety may occur for exams in general or just for certain subjects or types of exams. This programme is comprised of three weekly 1 hour sessions. The focus is on identifying and changing worrisome thoughts, breathing and muscle relaxation techniques. A $5.00 deposit is required.


2. MINDFULNESS BASED STRESS REDUCTION

Tuesday, March 11, 2:30 - 4:00 Thursday, March 27, 2:30 - 4:00

This is an experiential workshop that will explore the role of mindfulness in stress reduction. Mindfulness is the practice of being in the present moment with awareness, space and gentleness. Through the practice of mindfulness we are able to slow down and gain a new perspective on situations. Using a wide range of exercises, this workshop will investigate what mindfulness is and how we can use it as a tool for stress reduction and relaxation. Through the use of guided breathing, awareness and movement exercises, participants will have an opportunity to experience the benefits of mindfulness and its potential for reducing and managing the effects of stress. This is an introductory workshop open to anyone who is interested in exploring stress reduction and relaxation. A $5.00 deposit is required.


3. SLEEP AND RELAXATION WORKSHOP

Wednesday, March 19, 3:00 - 4:30 Tuesday, March 25, 6:00 - 7:30 Monday, March 31, 2:30 - 4:00

This workshop includes tips on how to fall asleep and feel more refreshed during the day. Participants will also learn relaxation techniques including deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization. A $5.00 deposit is required.

There will be a $5 Deposit Required - refunded upon attendance. To find out more information telephone 494-2081. or visit: www.counsellingservices.dal.ca

To register, drop by Counseling Services 4th floor SUB

**Available to students of Dalhousie University, The University of King's College and the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD).



*********************************
Dalhousie Women's Centre
6286 South Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3H 1T8
Tel: (902) 494-2432
Email: dwc@dal.ca
Web: http://www.dalwomenscentre.ca
*********************************

DSUSO Supports DSU Elections

Just reminding everyone that this week is DSU Elections week. The candidates will be busy all week trying to convince you of their merit, and thus snagging your vote. The actual vote date - which can be done online - is from March 18th - 20th.

You can catch their profiles and blurbs here:

https://www.dsu.ivoteonline.com/candidate_info.php

Find out more about the DSU Elections here:

http://dsu.ca/campuslife/2008-dsu-general-elections/
2008-dsu-general-elections-main-page


Student apathy is at an all time low, so please take a moment out of your day, March 18th - 20th, and as they say, "make your voice heard".

greenapaloozaTheMeds

Monday, March 10th at the Grawood - following the comedy of 'picnicface', local band, "The Meds" will take the stage and amaze you with their vocal and instrumental talents. See you at the Grawood at 9pm! In the meantime, have a listen to The Meds at:

http://www.myspace.com/themedsmusic

greenapaloozapicnicface

Kicking off Green Week - the comedy troupe 'picnicface' will be spreading their specialized style of funny-strange at the Grawood. Check them out, starting at 9pm on Monday, March 10th.

Have a sneak peak at what you'll see:

www.picnicface.com

I recommend the "Powerthirst 2" video. Yay Menergy! (Warning: This video NSFW).

Dalhousie - Sustainability & Environmental Research Symposium

On Friday, March 14th, Dalhousie University will be running the 4th Annual Sustainability and Environmental Research Symposium.

A series of events is scheduled from 1:30 PM - 6:30 PM. All activities will take place in the Kenneth Rowe Building at 6100 University Avenue.

Posters featuring the work of approximately 70 researchers, will be set up in the Atrium on the main floor of the Rowe Building. The poster session starts at 1:30 PM and runs until 3:45 PM.

A panel presentation, entitled Toward Food Sustainability: From Global to Local, will then run from 3:45 PM - 5:45 PM in the Potter Auditorium. The keynote speaker is Dr. Randall Westgren from the University of Illinois. He will be joined by Dr. Ralph Martin, Nova Scotia Agricultural College and Founding Director of the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada; Dr. Peter Tyedmers, Professor, School of Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University; Marla MacLeod, Food Miles Project Coordinator for the Ecology Action Centre, and Sean Gallagher, Proprieter of Terroir: Local Source Catering.


Following the panel, there will be a reception in Room 2068, featuring excellent
local food presented by Terroir.

-------------------------
Natasha LaRoche, Coordinator
Elizabeth May Chair in Sustainability and Environmental Health
Faculty of Science, Dalhousie University
1355 Oxford Street
Halifax, NS B3H 3J1
Phone: (902)494-8443
Fax: (902)494-1123

--------------------------
SustainDal
Dalhousie University
Halifax, NS

E-mail: SustainDal@dal.ca
http://dal.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5703632618
http://sustaindal.blogspot.com/

DWC - Intl. Women's Day... Big List of Big Events for a Big Day!

Let's here it for the women in our lives! Saturday March 8th, 2008 is International Women's Day. To celebrate and mark this occassion, the Dalhousie Women's Centre is hosting a gaggle of events:

1. Placard Making & Breakfast at the DWC (before the IWD Rally and March)

Date: Saturday, March 8, 2008
Time: 9:30am - 11:30am
Location: Dalhousie Women's Centre, 6286 South Street

It's placard-making time! Come get an early start to International
Women's Day!
Enjoy some breakfast while creating powerful placards for the rally and march
at noon! What better way to start International Women's Day?


2. International Women's Day Rally and March

Saturday March 8th, 2008 at Noon - Parade Square in Halifax

International Women's Day (IWD) is a time for women around the world to
commemorate their struggles and celebrate their achievements. The United
Nations formally proclaimed March 8 International Women's Day in 1975. The
roots of IWD, though, can be traced back to the struggles of women workers in
the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

This year, the Canadian Federation of Students ? Nova Scotia, the Canadian
Labour Congress, the Canadian Union of Public Employees, the Halifax-Dartmouth
& District Labour Council and the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour are holding
a Rally and March to celebrate International Women's Day.

International Women's Day (IWD) Rally and March
Saturday March 8, 2008
Noon - 1:00 PM
Grand Parade Square
Barrington Street, Halifax

The Rally will begin at Noon in Grand Parade Square (adjacent to Halifax City
Hall on Barrington Street), and will march to the Legislature to hear
additional speakers, etc.

Beginning with International Women's Day this year, the Canadian Labour
Congress
is launching a year-long campaign for women's economic equality which
is titled
"Equality Once And For All!" (see
http://canadianlabour.ca/index.php/womens_economic_equa).

For Information, contact:

Canadian Federation of Students (902) 425-4237 /email national@cfs-ns.ca
Canadian Labour Congress (902) 455-2965 / email ttracy@clc-ctc.ca
Canadian Union of Public Employees (902) 455-4180 / email jmccracken@cupe.ca



3. INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY CELEBRATION!

*Saturday, March 8th, 2008*
*5pm Potluck*
*6pm-8pm Entertainment*
*Saint Matthew's Church Hall (**Barrington Street - use glass doors on
the South
gate side)*

An *International Women's Day* celebration will be held at Saint Matthew's
Church Hall, on Saturday March 8th, 2008. *All *are welcome and there is no
cover charge. We will be accepting donations at the door in support of Bryony
House.

From 5pm-6pm, there will be a potluck dinner (no shellfish or peanuts please),
and from 6pm-8pm there will be an evening of diverse entertainment. From the
spoken word stylings of Taryn Della to the activist choral entertainment from
The Raging Grannies, and more - there is certainly something for everyone.

For more detailed information regarding International Women's Day,
please visit
the Status of Women Canada website, at http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/. For further
information regarding this year's social celebration, please contact Janet or
Corrie at halifax@oxfam.ca or 425-7877.

Sponsored by: *Oxfam; Voice of Women for Peace; SMU Women's Centre; Canadian
Labour Congress; DAL Women's Centre; Atlantic Council for International
Cooperation; Atlantic Centre of Excellence for Women's Health; & Canadian Red
Cross*


*********************************
Dalhousie Women's Centre
6286 South Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3H 1T8
Tel: (902) 494-2432
Email: dwc@dal.ca
Web: http://www.dalwomenscentre.ca
*********************************

Spanish Society - La Velada Tickets Now Available!

TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR LA VELADA!!

The Dal Spanish Society now has tickets available for La Velada--the social event of the season!! Come out for an evening of music, food, dance, entertainment from the Spanish-speaking world--Friday, March 14, 6pm in the McInnes Room at the SUB. Tickets are $20 for students, $25 for non-students, and are for sale this week, daily 11:30-1:30, in the SUB.

Your ticket includes a delicious Spanish meal, an evening's entertainment, followed by a dance with DJ.

For info and tickets, please contact the Society at spanish@dal.ca, or contact the Department of Spanish at 494-3697.
Don't miss La Velada 2008!!

Dal News - "Gold & Black Go For Green"

(photo by Nick Pearce)

Dal News has posted an article on Green Week 2008, along with a forum through which you can post your comments, suggestions, etc.

Plus there's a snappy picture of Sarah Applebaum (the one included above). Find the article here:

http://dalnews.dal.ca/2008/03/07/greenweek.html

Green Week 2008 - Events Listing & Schedule

Alright everyone - looks like our technical difficulties have solved!

Green Week is coming up next week - starting Monday, March 10th with a whole slew of events! Please find at the following links, both the EVENTS LISTING and SCHEDULE for Green Week 2008:

Events Listing:
www.dsu.ca/services/sustainability-office/data-sustainability/events.pdf

Events Schedule:
www.dsu.ca/services/sustainability-office/data-sustainability/gwschedule4.pdf


Look forward to seeing everybody around campus all week, but especially at Green-a-Palooza on Monday night!

Reusing Paper: Better Side Notebooks

Better Side Notebooks

Dalhousie’s Nature Conservation Group and Sustain Dal are working sustainably and creating one-sided notebooks for Dal students in order to raise awareness on paper conservation. The recycled notebooks will be on sale for $2 starting Monday March 10, 2008 (and every Monday following) in the Student Union Building along with Muggy Mondays.

Date: Mondays (Muggy Mondays)
Time: 10:00am–12:00pm
Location: SUB
Cost: $2/notebook

For more information please contact:

Nature Conservation Group
Email: bettersidenotebooks@hotmail.com

DWC: Certainly Sushi!

Hello DWC Members,

It's time for another FREE vegetarian cooking class!

When: Monday, March 3 at 5:15 PM
Where: Dalhousie Women's Centre

For what: A SUSHI-MAKING partyyyyyyy! Come on out to make some yummy sushi with Minori and Julia (and eat it too, of course). It's gonna be a great time!

We hope to see you there!

DWC


*********************************
Dalhousie Women's Centre
6286 South Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3H 1T8
Tel: (902) 494-2432
Email: dwc@dal.ca
Web: http://www.dalwomenscentre.ca
*********************************

DSUSO: Back From the Break!

Hello everyone - hope you all had a wonderful break! We hear at DSUSO certainly did, but now, alas, we're ready to get back down to business!

Remember though... only 6 weeks of school left!