By Pat Bradley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-1002477.mp3
Burlington, VT – The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education says there are fifteen campuses in North American that have completely banned the sale of bottled water. A student group that promotes recycling has worked for almost four years to convince University of Vermont officials to ban bottled water sales on that campus. VSTEP Vermont Students Toward Environmental Protection President Greg Francese.
The ban on bottled water sales coincides with UVM's decision to end its ten year contract with Coca-Cola of Northern New England. Office of Sustainability Director Gioia Thompson.
In Northampton, Massachusetts, Smith College has had a limited ban on the sale of bottled water for several years. The product is sold in the Campus Center and in some vending machines, but not in dining areas nor during catered events. Director of Dining Services Cathy Zieja says before their limited sales policy, in just one campus location they were using 30-thousand bottles annually.
The University of Vermont's policy also mandates that one-third of any drinks sold in campus vending machines must be healthy options. Gioia Thompson says that part of the initiative has been driven by faculty and staff.....
The University of Vermont will phase in the new policies over the next year.
Calls to the International and the Northeast Bottled Water Associations were not returned in time for this broadcast.