ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES COMMITTEE
December 8, 2005
EMU Umpqua Room

ATTENDEES: Ben Farrell, Kyla Coy, Rosie Sweetman, James Hiebert, Jim Blick, Mark Dixon, Paula Staight, Christine Thompson, Karyn Kaplan, Anne Forrestel, Kay Coots, Cathy Soutar

Smoke Free Campus

Fresno State was discussed at past meetings as an example of a smoke free campus. Kyla found the policy on their web, and while they are smoke free, designated smoking areas are provided around the campus perimeter. The committee felt that this approach would not be feasible primarily due to size and the city streets situated within our campus boundaries.

Anne asked how we would define a smoke free campus. Consideration would need to be given as to effective incentives and enforcement. Paula agreed that cessation education and support would need to be a priority.

A number of committee members expressed a profound aversion to cigarette smoke, but at the same time recognize that it is a personal choice. Kay suggested that a better approach would be to recommend that the university pursue LEED certification levels that would require moving smoking away from buildings, providing covered areas for smokers, and the funding of cessation programs.

Ben suggested that the committee might want to begin with an advertising campaign. For example, posters could be created to promote ideas such as imagining a smoke free campus by the year 2010, or the realization that 80 percent of students don’t smoke, or that smoking is not allowed within 10 or more feet of building entrances. Smoke free walkways would be another possible place to start. Kyla said that the ASUO would be available to help design and distribute brochures or posters.

 

PVC

Karyn would like to invite David Monk to speak to the committee about the hazards of vinyl and all agreed.

IPM

Ben will invite Tim King to speak to the committee during the winter term regarding integrated pest management.

The Environmental Issues Committee will be held on Thursday, January 26 ^th from 10:30-12:00pm in the Knight Law School, Room 301A.