Three organizations leading change at York University
Jan 7, 2020
Anuja Kapoor, YSEC consultant
York University is growing its sustainable impact.
In 2011 and 2012, York was rated the greenest university in Canada.
In 2017, the University released its first ever institution-wide Sustainability Strategy.
In 2019, the university was named one of Canada’s greenest employers for its seventh time in a row. It also ranked fourteenth among 250 universities worldwide for taking climate action.
Here are sixty sustainable impacts worth celebrating.
While much of the sustainable action on our campuses has been top-down, some campus businesses and organizations are leading change from the ground up. These three are worth the recognition.
Regenesis is a youth-driven environmental organization. York’s chapter is run by a board of students and supported by dedicated volunteers and staff members who strive to make our campuses greener and our community richer.
Regenesis offers a number of sustainable programs at Keele and Glendon campuses. The Free Store, for instance, encourages trading used items with others who may find a better use for it with the goal of feeding discarded items into a circular economy. The YUM! Good Food Market is another excellent initiative that offers students a diverse selection of fresh and healthy, locally-grown or fairly-traded, natural and organic foods on a weekly basis. More recently, Regenesis launched a Community Bike Centre in the Black Creek Neighbourhood to advocate for cycling as a mode of green transportation with free access to repair facilities, instructors and workshops.
2. ET AL. Café and pub
In the South Ross building on Keele campus you may stumble across Et al., a café operated as a faculty- graduate student run co-operative. Et al. offers fresh eats with ingredients hand-picked by local farmers in Ontario. The café prioritizes healthy, local and sustainable food and is looking to expand its partnerships on campus. But sustainable food is not all that Et al. has to offer. The café is also a space for social and intellectual gathering. Et al.’s conversation café series features insightful discussions around food and sustainability in our community. Jazz nights are also making a comeback courtesy of York University’s Jazz Club. Grab a cup of fair trade or organic coffee and recharge at Et al. in between or after a long day of classes!
3. LUNIK CO-OPERATIVE CAFÉ
Lunik Café was launched in 2011 for students and by students at Glendon campus. Located in the basement of Glendon Manor, Lunik has a special place on campus for many students who swing by to work on the comfy couches or to grab an ethical coffee and a range of vegan or vegetarian bites. What is unique about this café is that it is run on a pay-what-you-can model, which means it accepts whatever students are willing to contribute.
But Lunik is not only a café. It is a student-run organization that strives to offer a wider variety of accessible food options on campus that are environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. Running it as a co-op means every member has an equal say in decision making. Throughout the year, Lunik holds a number of events in partnership with student clubs, including Late Night Luniks to unwind with a local boozy beverage, harvest dinners, clothing swaps, and trivia nights.
As the third largest university in the country, York University scores well on the sustainability scoreboard. Efforts by administration are commendable, though student groups and volunteer organizations are also champions of sustainability on campus.
Greater awareness and support is needed to scale these efforts. If you stumble across these organizations (or others), say hello and show your support. Drop us a line to let us know about new sustainable initiatives led by campus businesses and organizations!