For the last several years, Penn has made a concerted effort to be a more sustainable campus. While this often takes the form of abstract, macro-level goals, two large, laudable announcements made recently will have a tangible effect on students’ lives: the switch to Bon Appetit Management Company in the dining halls and the choice to use graduation gowns made from recycled materials.
Bon Appetit Management Company, which took over control of Dining Services from Aramark this summer, has already emphasized its commitment to the sustainable-food movement. From house-made salad dressings to locally grown fruits and vegetables, we appreciate their receptiveness to students’ concerns about food and food production. Food origin is a salient issue among students, and Bon Appetit has already demonstrated to Penn’s student body that they understand this fact. Although the jury’s still out on whether Bon Appetit will provide enough variety to overcome the pull of off-campus eateries, we’re pleased with their efforts.
The recent switch to graduation gowns created from recycled material is also a strong demonstration of Penn’s commitment to sustainability. As part of Penn’s long-term plan to reduce its carbon footprint, graduation gowns will now be constructed out of recycled plastic bottles. The Climate Action Plan is ambitious — Penn hopes to become climate-neutral — and the move to recycled gowns helps raise awareness of the issues, and the efforts, across campus. These recent decisions make good common, and green, sense for Penn.
