Saskatchewan Polytechnic is committed to promoting sustainability and reducing waste.
The institution has implemented composting programs and encourages the use of reusable
containers. The Commons (previously known as the cafeteria) at all locations are participating
in composting programs, making a significant impact on reducing waste and promoting
a greener future.
Although all campuses are composting, Prince Albert campus is the only one composting
with worms, also known as vermicomposting. Sask Polytech’s Sustainability-Led Integrated Centres of Excellence (SLICE), the applied research centre in the Faculty of Technology and Skilled Trades, has
received funding from the ImpAct-Climate Challenge with Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) for the vermicomposting project. This CICan funding is used to connect and mobilize
post-secondary leaders, sharing the knowledge, skills and tools needed to combat climate
change. “This pilot project, which launched in September, is using earthworms to assist
with composting kitchen scraps to produce rich, organic soil full of nutrients. On
average, 70 kg of scraps are diverted from the landfill each week,” says Keri Sapsford,
research associate at Sask Polytech at Prince Albert campus.
In addition to composting, Sask Polytech food services provides all meals on ceramic
plates. If students or employees would prefer a takeout container, it costs an extra
$0.75. Bobbi Bates, manager of Hospitality Services adds, “You can also save money
and reduce waste by bringing your own reusable coffee mug. Coffee in a paper cup costs
$3, while coffee in a reusable cup costs only $2. If you bring a reusable cup with
a Fill it Forward sticker, coffee is only $1.75.”
Sask Polytech is participating in the Fill it Forward program. Employees and students can purchase a Fill it Forward water bottle, coffee cup or
sticker at The Commons. Scan it every time you reuse and help Sask Polytech track
our collective impact while giving back to people and the planet. Fill it Forward
is helping Sask Polytech eliminate single-use waste and plastic in landfills. Every
scan shows the impact of five environmental metrics including carbon dioxide (C02)
emissions, energy use, ocean plastic, landfill waste and land use. “Every time you
scan the app, money is given to charity. The app also has a leaderboard; we encourage
you to compete with your colleagues for the most reuses,” adds Bates.
To date, Sask Polytech has had 2,839 reuses according to the Fill it Forward app.
This has resulted in 1,496 kilowatt hours of power saved, 2,746 pounds of emissions
saved, 85 pounds of waste diverted and 17 pounds of ocean pollution prevented.
By encouraging these small changes, Sask Polytech is making a big impact on the environment.
“Sustainability is one of Sask Polytech’s values and a top priority for the institution,”
says Kelly Maddin, interim dean for the School of Hospitality and Tourism. “The Commons
at Sask Polytech is committed to promoting eco-friendly practices. By encouraging
composting and the use of reusable dishes, we are not only reducing waste but also
promoting a culture of sustainability.”
Education is also an important goal with these green initiatives. Students are assisting
with the vermicomposting project funded by CICan, helping take care of the earthworms,
running workshops and distributing surveys. In September, 40 students and employees
participated in a survey about composting and in October a workshop was held. The
goal is to continue to divert organic waste from the landfill and encourage composting
on campus and at home. Additional surveys and workshops will be offered throughout
the academic year.
Sask Polytech has also partnered with the Saskatoon Food Bank to provide monthly cooking
classes at the Indigenous Students’ Centre at Saskatoon campus. The goal is to provide a free meal and cooking lesson to reduce
food insecurity in our community. In September students made chilli and were provided
tips on how to reduce their food costs through more efficient food use and shopping
on a budget. Classes will continue to be offered throughout the year.
“Employees and students can make a huge difference by adopting these sustainable practices
in their daily lives outside of campus,” says Bates. “By composting, using reusable
dishes and cups, and eliminating food waste we can reduce our carbon footprint and
contribute to a healthier planet.”
Being a member of an international network of post-secondary institutions, Sask Polytech
is a signatory to the SDG Accord, a global initiative to further the United Nation (UN)’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Composting and using reusable containers supports SDG goals 11 and 13. Goal 11 is
to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. Goal
13 is to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
Throughout the year Prince Albert campus students and employees can participate in
a tour of the vermicomposting facilities and learn how to compost at home. For more
information on these workshops contact Keri Sapsford at sapsfordk@saskpolytech.ca. For information on future classes with the Saskatoon Food Bank at the Indigenous
Students’ Centre please email indigenous@saskpolytech.ca.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic is signatory to the SDG Accord. Sustainable Development Goal alignment is one of the ways Sask Polytech is leading the rise of polytechnic education.
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