WINNIPEG, MB – The industrial-sized dishwasher in The University of Winnipeg’s kitchen will be using only phosphate-free detergent as students head back to class this week, as part of the University’s commitment to create an environmentally sustainable campus and community.
As Diversity Food Services Inc. takes over all food services on campus, an environmentally-friendly product line of cleaners is being introduced in the kitchen and cafeterias including phosphate-free dishwashing detergent, counter sanitizers and floor cleaners. A green cleaning products procedure has been in place for three years for all other areas of the University with Bee Clean using only enviro-labeled products.
Diversity operates Pangea’s Kitchen (Riddell Hall), Malecon (Centennial Hall) and Café Bodhi (Lockhart), and also caters meals for campus and external functions.
“We expect to be serving thousands of meals each day on the UWinnipeg campus so with that kind of volume we need to be responsible about the impact we are having on the environment,” said Executive Chef, Ben Kramer. “Using eco-friendly products is consistent with the University’s mission and the vision of Diversity Food Services.”
The mandate of Diversity Food Services is to develop nutritious, fairly-priced food options that reflect both traditional and ethnic options focusing, wherever possible, on locally sourced, organic ingredients, with a commitment to fair-trade practices.
Also new this September: water is no longer for sale, eliminating approximately 38,400 plastic water bottles which had been sold on campus annually. The University of Winnipeg Students’ Association is partnering with the University to provide all first year students with reusable bottles for free as part of their orientation package.
In 2005, President Lloyd Axworthy committed to a comprehensive Sustainability Management System for UWinnipeg, which means potential environmental impact is factored into all decisions. The short-term goal is to be Kyoto Protocol compliant, and the long-term objective is to achieve zero net green house gas emissions. UWinnipeg recently became the first university in Canada to place sustainability at the executive table by adding this responsibility to one of its Vice-President positions.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Diane Poulin, Communications Officer
The University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7135, E: d.poulin@uwinnipeg.ca
