Pistang Tomas 2009

Another styro-free event! The Pistang Tomas Partner Communities' Trade Fair will bring partner community leaders and their homegrown products to the university. Come with your bayongs or reusable shopping/grocery bags and support organic and handmade products from our very own partner communities!

We are expecting 22 communities from indigenous, rural, coastal, and urban areas. Products range from rootcrops (gabi, kamote, yacon, ube), fruits (papaya, dalanghita, suha, bananas), vegetables, crafts (bow and arrow sets, flutes, recycled art), accessories (bracelets, charms), cleaning agents (dishwashing liquid, fabric softener, soaps), and sewn works (pouches, ref covers, bags, rugs). There will also be upholstery and reflexology services. See you there!

Sittie's Suggestion

We've received an e-mail from Sittie, a Chemistry student from the College of Science! Here are her thoughts for the campaign. Thanks, Sittie!

Hi! With regards to the styro-free campaign, I think fastfood chains & stores in UST should also participate in advocating this since they are the no. 1 users of styro. If the fastfood chains do this then definitely the students will also be encouraged not to use styro. It's just a domino effect. In addition, students should also be aware of the consequences of the continuous usage of styro to our environment. There should be a constant reminder to everyone. After some time of reminding, people will get used to it. Eventually it will become a part of their lives. Aside from that, I think it will be good if articles related to styro will be published.

-Sittie, College of Science (Chemistry)

That's a very good suggestion. We have good news--food establishments within the university that once used styro are now using alternative packaging, like paper bowls and cartons, for their food. In addition, some canteens are also now investing in plates and reusable serving trays. :) Yup, we are "making a buzz" about being styro-free, as well as taking the campaign further and advocating also for climate change adapatation and disaster risk reduction.

We greatly appreciate students like you who care--that really is the first step. Thank you so much!

today's good news

U.S., China make progress in tackling climate change

By Juliet Eilperin and Steven Mufson

Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, November 17, 2009; 6:07 PM

Buried in the text of Tuesday's joint declaration between the President Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao was a significant climate announcement: The Obama administration will offer numerical emission reduction targets as part of next month's negotiations, as long as the Chinese offer a climate proposal of their own.

Continue reading the article from the Washington Post.

Org Advisers sign up to be Styro-free

We would like to officially welcome the following organization advisers to the Movement for a Styro-free University:

• Karlo Jay Perez - USTHS Athletics Club
• Lean Ann Sarmiento - UST-YCS
• Mary Jho-Anne T. Corpuz - Scholia Tutorial Club, Faculty of Pharmacy
• Mark Anthony D. Abenir - Rotaract CRS
• Ma. Elena N. Mendoza - USTHS Music Ensemble
• Ruben Sinugbuhan - High School
• Maria Lulu P. Orlina - HS Glee Club
• Joel Bryan Guevara - High School
• Vynette V. dela Cruz - High School
• Marvi S. Pauy - High School
• Jayvee Ignacio - Nursing Varsity Council
• Elmer C. Hibek - Nursing Journal
• Brenda T. Luy, R.N. - Medical Mission Inc. - Nursing group
• Dennis S. Cuadra - Nursing RCYC
• Estelle Rose M. Lerma - Nursing Chorale
• Gian Carlo Torres - Nursing Central Board of Students
• Anita A. Cabezon - Nursing Central Board of Students
• Monaryn A. Borbo - Nursing Dance Troupe
• Melanie Turingan - Nursing Association of Student Achievers
• Erickson Paragas - Rotaract Nursing
• Ruth Equipaje - UAPSA-UST Architecture
• John Ong - Scarlet
• Rhona P. Ramos - Scholia Tutorial Club - Pharmacy
• Rosario R. Aranda - Pharmacy
• Rhodelia H. Mendoza - Phramacy Debate Coalition
• Ligaya O. bron - AMV-COA Rotaract
• Riaz Benjamin - ComAch-Commerce
• Joyce G. Mana - SWDB-Commerce
• Maria Paula Joan E. Tiongco - TJMA-Commerce; JFINEX-Commerce
• Nancy C. Bartolome - SIFE
• Emelito F. Sarmago - COMPAR
• Florence Ledesma - SWDB-AB
• Mila C. Aquino - ComAch
• Analiza A. Yanga - Asian Studies Society
• Ma. Carmelita C. Coloma - Becarios de Santo Tomas
• Ana Ruby M. Paez - STAUST Educ
• Myra P. De Leon - UST ISA; Comelec Educ
• Arlene C. De Leon - ComAch Educ; EHS Student Council
• Beatriz B. Ribleza - EHS Comelec
• Marivic L. Torres - USTHS Student Council
• Gina R. Dedeles - Microbiology Society, College of Science
• Mae Lowe Diesmos - Biosoc
• Paul A. - Comelec
• Aguedo Florence A. Jalin Jr. - Institute of Religion
• Ferdinand I. Dela Paz - Arkitrato, College of Architecture
• Marites Rano Redoña - Christ Youth in Action - Engineering
• Angelina A. Silverio - Applied Physics Society
• Felicidad Christina R. Ramirez - UST Chemical Society
• Evangeline E. Timbiang - CTHM Comelec
• Remedios P. Abuton - HRMS
• Toots Lorete - CTHM Pax Romana
• Aristoteles Estrella - Touchpoint
• Jose Tolentino D. Olivar II - Thomasian Debaters Council
• Christina Sagum - Phil. Association of Nutrition
• Grace F. Azares - Education Student Council
• Ma. Susana R. Gualvez - Rotaract Education
• Joel Adamos - Education
• Aurora Cristina P. Bermudez - Rhythmyx Dance Troupe; Educ SWDB
• Carol Geraldine C. Pablo - Tigers Rowing Team
• Marilyn Ngo - Scarlet Pharmacy

They attended the Advisers' Meeting conducted by the Office for Student Affairs last September 17 and they signed their Styro-free Pledges in support of the campaign. Congratulations!

stickers and bookmarks giveaway!

We're giving away stickers and bookmarks to Styro-free (or those who want to be Styro-free) Thomasians. Just drop by our office at Room 115, Main Building, and submit a 10-page written proposal of how you can make UST Styro-free.

(We're kidding! Just knowing that you're pro-earth is enough for us. Of course, it would also be nice to hear your ideas.)

:)

thoughts and updates for the second semester

Climate change is here.

What do you plan to do about it?

From what we've seen, it's not enough to complain and blame others every time disaster strikes--instead of being reactive to these situations, we should be proactive, we should engage ourselves in saving our environment.

These are are keywords: Climate Change Adaptation, Disaster Risk Reduction, and Intergenerational Global Justice. In the coming weeks we'll elaborate on these concepts, and we'll look at these in the light of our being in the University of Santo Tomas--the steps we can take in-campus, and the values that we'll learn that we'll bring with us even as we go home.


A few (personal) thoughts:

I was able to attend a forum on Climate Change Adaptation (hence the big words) before 'Ondoy' came. During Ondoy's aftermath, people started blaming the government, the informal settlers, the subdivision developers, the dam authorities--pretty much everyone else--for the disaster. Did it solve anything? Well, it did open our eyes to the environment, and how powerful the forces of nature are. For me it was a validation that what we have started in the University is right, and the little step that we are taking--that of making UST styro-free--should be followed by a bigger, more firmer, step.

After the climate change forum, Ate Abby and I attended a short lecture on Disaster Risk Reduction and we realized that now more than ever, we must plan and implement sustainable community development programs that include disaster risk reduction projects in every partner community--our partner communities are the most vulnerable to disasters, especially those living in the coastal areas and landslide-prone communities.

We've received numerous feedback from students about the state of styro use (or non-use, which is very, very good) in the campus, and through this blog, we've also received comments (see the shoutbox) about what we can do. Admittedly, our powers in information dissemination are still lacking, and that is why we are asking for the help of local student councils with the support of the administration in making UST Styro-free. Yes we can put up posters. You can too! Yes we can talk to the different departments and colleges. Of course, you can do that too. We would like to congratulate the colleges, offices, and student organizations who have taken steps in reducing waste and who are actively campaigning for a 'green' UST.

The Office for Community Development is stepping up to the task of being the main 'busybody' in UST's transformation into a green community, and we need all the help we can get. From suggestions, initiatives, ideas, and best practices, we know that with everyone's (pro)active participation, we can make this work. Let's do this now.

- Ate Orya

*Concessionaires at the Multi-Deck Parking are now 'converting' into green establishments, styro-free, care of their management. Hurray!

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CONCERNS AND IDEAS FROM THE SHOUTBOX:

• "Green Architecture" -- it's a must-learn for Arki students, but is their college doing anything about their own waste? It's not only the structures that have to be eco-friendly but more importantly, how people maintain the integrity of the structures' "green-ness"--through proper management of waste, and by doing the 3R's. We think the concern is the same for CFAD students, with the amount of (paper, cardboard, etc.) materials that they use and eventually discard.
• There is still a need for food establishments to use alternative packaging, especially for take-out orders.
• The use of personal food keepers ("baunan") should be promoted and encouraged. Likewise, facilities and dining areas should be appropriated to accommodate those who would be eating from their baunans. These facilities should include dishwashing areas.
• More info and promotional materials about the campaign are needed.
• Saving the environment starts from ourselves.

Do you have something to share? Post a comment or write us at ust_ocd@yahoo.com! :)

Thomasians Working Towards Being Styro-Free

Dr. Arlen Ancheta was one of our speakers during the Styro-Free Campaign launch last Sept. 3. We would like to share with you her presentation here.
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STYROPOR IS EVERYWHERE…

• It is found in our home, office, grocery, eateries and in school. It comes in many shapes and forms from meat trays, soup bowls and salad boxes, coffee cups and plates.
• Styropor is already part of our daily life especially in urban centers.

WHY DO WE USE STYROPOR?

• Because they are cheap, accessible and disposable. Styropor suits our fast-paced lifestyle.
• Food in styropor is easy to serve. No need to wash and clean food containers. What we need is hot water, microwave and garbage container.
• In UST, food is served in styropor containers during meetings, seminars, or parties. Some eateries inside the University use styropor containers so consumers have no choice.

WHY REDUCE THE USE OF STYROPOR…

• Styropor food containers cannot be recycled. It means one time use of the material. It is also is petroleum- based so it is made of non renewable resource.
• Styropor is not environmentally-friendly.
• As much as possible the life span of a material should be prolonged by reusing or recycling. This is to reduce the further extraction of the earth’s capital.
• Officials of the National Institute of Health Sciences in Japan were cited as saying that "polystyrene containers, commonly used in the packaging of instant noodles and fresh foods in supermarkets, have been found to contain toxic substances known to disrupt the reproductive functions of animals and humans."

FROM THE WASTE STREAM…

• Styropor is not segregated but mixed with other wastes.
• Leonel collects the garbage in the MRF to be transported in the city disposal facility.
• Styropor is non-biodegradable so it will just pile up in the dumpsite. It takes so many years for styropor to degrade, which means that the chemical contents leach into the groundwater and soil.
• Garbage is combustible due to methane gas, so the solid styropor is now transformed into gaseuos phase which we inhale.

HOW DO WE WORK TOWARDS A STYRO-FREE UNIVERSITY?

• Harnessing the power of Information
• Nurturing sectoral dialogue
• University policy we can hold on
• Touching lives
• Advocate research-based initiatives
• Act and move on
  
  HARNESSING THE POWER OF INFORMATION
• We want to empower the Thomasians toward a styro-free University (SFU) thus information strategies are important.
• SFU has to start in the boardroom or classrooms. Explore the kindness of our faculty, the media in the University and other organizations.
• What persuasive strategies are we going to use to convince the Thomasians not to use styropor? What innovative ideas are we going to present to the Thomasians?
  
  NURTURING SECTORAL DIALOGUE
• There is a need to create harmonious relations in the university while we are campaigning for SFU. So let us sit and talk on how to reduce and eventually eliminate styropor in UST.
• Invite the business sector, admin, non-academic groups, student orgs, parish officials, University media and faculty clubs to a meeting regarding the campaign.
• How do we convince them business sector and the admin in the University that styropor can bring irreparable damage to human health and environment?
• What are the options that can be used for food packaging?
  
  UNIVERSITY POLICY WE CAN HOLD ON
• People in the admin may be replaced after their term of Office but the campaign should continue.
• We should have a clear policy on environmental protection that should be sustained regardless of who ever is holding the reign.
• What Office in UST is in-charge of the environment?
  
  TOUCHING LIVES
• The SFU should be participatory. OCD initiated it but all of us should participate. This forum should create domino effects in UST.
• The students should lead and not the janitorial services.
  
  ADVOCATE RESEARCH-BASED INITIATIVES
• The SFU campaign should be presented in numbers and narratives. We have to track records of success. There has to be a target date for each activity.
• Ex. How many % do we want to reduce in five months, ten months, in a year?
• How do we monitor and evaluate the campaign after one schoolyear?
• What are the weaknesses and strengths of the campaign?
  
  ACT AND MOVE ON
• The earth is finite and every living thing is important. Thus we have the moral responsibility to take care of the environment because it has limitations.
• We have to respect the right of others to enjoy the abundance of the environment by refusing to use styropor, reducing the use of other non biodegradable wastes, enhance reuse and recycle.
  
  STYRO-FREE UNIVERSITY
• Is an indicator that UST has a strong support system where everyone cooperates and work together for a common goal.
• It is a manifestation that the Thomasians are responsible and mature members of our society.
• It means UST cares for the environment. That UST is a caring University.

At the end of the day… God will ask you: What have you done to my creation?

Ano ang isasagot mo, kapwa ko Tomasino?

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Assoc. Prof. Arlen A. Ancheta is a research faculty. She is currently the Chair of AB Humanities Dept. She teaches Environmental Economics, Global Environmental Politics and Geography in AB at the same time conducting research on estero management in Manila. She finished her MS and Ph.D in Environmental Science in UPLB. Her areas of specialization are urban ecology, solid waste management and street children.

The Movement for a Styro-Free University

Before the Styro-Free Campaign launch ended last Sept. 3, we asked participants (composed of students, faculty, administrators, and support staff) if they were ready to be Styro-free. They signed "Styro-free pledges" with the following commitments:

• I commit my support for the UST Styro-free Campaign.
• I will go for the earth-friendly choice!
• I will make a difference in my organization/department. Being Styro-free starts from me.

We would like to welcome the following Thomasians to the Movement for a Styro-Free University. Cheers!

· Jappy Molina – Mediartrix
· Ng, Ka Long – AB-AES
· Mabalay, Adrian A. – Artlests Economics Society
· Remitio, Rex John R. – Arts and Letters Student Council
· Maria Carmen Janessa Bermas – ARKITRATO-Architecture
· Meryl Anne M. Tongio – HCS-UST Youth Chapter/Architecture
· Jose Romell Ramirez Jr. – Nursing Rotaract
· Bettina Rayos del Sol – Nursing
· Kriska Noelle V. Raymundo – Nursing
· Ervin Dominic H. Quizon – College of Nursing/Nursing Journal
· Rapisura, Kaern Diane M. – Nursing
· James Bryan V. Esteleydes – Red Cross Youth Council Central Executive Board
· Ramos, Romielle Grazel Joi H. – Nursing
· Jasper Lara D. Poresores – Nursing
· Raymond Pabilao – UST-AMV Rotaract
· To, Abigail C. – Rotaract-AMV
· Anthony I. Morallas – Biology Society
· Gaddi, Philip Israel S. – Central Student Council
· Jasper J. Gopez – College of Science Debate and Drama Society
· Rolando Vittorio B. Gatmaitan Jr. – SOCC
· Angela Lauren D. Fernando – SOCC
· Marice Cruz – UST SOCC
· Shena Gladdys P. Baylon – Pax Romana-Accountancy
· Maria Chona H. Delicana – UST Pax Romana
· Ranera, Marnin Christian L. – DOMNET
· Carlo Puddao – Nursing Varsity Council
· Karla Dominique A. Quiros – Rotaract-Nursing
· Protacio, Rianna Marie Cristin C. – Rotaract-Nursing
· Agnes Punsalan – Rotaract – Nursing Rotaract
· Cynthia B. Loza – CFAD
· Alcancia, Johannes Christia C. – Marian Evangelization Community (MEC)
· Justin Elizaga – Rotract Central
· Adrienne Marie R. del Val – Industrial Eng’g Circle
· Frederick Cuevas – EARTH UST
· Roseanne R. Carreon – UST-ISYS
· Princess Khristine D. Fernandez – UST-ISYS
· Michelle Angela C. Melo – UST-RCY Eng’g Unit
· De Guzma, Veronica Ann M. – Engineering Student Council
· Jason Roy A. Almare – Christ’s Youth in Action
· Bianca B. De Mesa – Becarios de Santo Tomas
· Arnica Mae C. Go – Community Achievers Association-Accountancy
· Annabelle C. Hilario – CD-CFAD/Coordinator
· Crescencio M .Doma Jr. – AB
· Glenda A. Vargas – Nursing
· Earl Francis R. Sumile – Nursing
· Itchan Concepcion – OSA
· Thelma Samson-Maraña – UST Office for Student Affairs
· Paolo Perlada – UST-CTHM-SC
· Dr. Ma. Salve C. Olalia – UST Health Service
· Pamella Queri – CFAD SC
· Jesica N. Espiritu – UST-UNICEF Volunteers
· Ong, Zolita Theresia P. – UST TDRC
· Acosta, Patricia – COMACH Science
· Guinina Camille V. Eroles – CASA
· Flores, Jan Patrick – DX1
· Gabriel Victor A. Galang – Accountancy Student Council
· Sabina C. Viernes – Library
· Dakki Bautista – CASA
· Judy Joy Nuñez – Tomasian Cable Television (TOMCAT)
· Cartago, Stephanie – Scarlet-Accountancy
· Nestor M. Ventura Jr. – Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants
· Paul Cabrera – COMACH Commerce Unit
· Vallance S. Edlagan – UST Microbiology Society
· Miguel V. Agbulos – MATHSOC
· Goldwin Gan – TomWeb!
· Arnesto, Anna Meliza D.C. – ARC DX1
· Yoma, Ma. Regina E. – EARTH UST
· Sy Sion Kiao – UNESCO
· Patricia Acosta – COMACH Science
· Joseph B. Badinas – UST Security Dept.

Are YOU ready to be Styro-free? Make the earth-friendly choice and say NO to STYRO!

Styro-free Campaign launch a success!

Thank you very much to everyone who attended the Styro-free Campaign official launch yesterday at the Tan Yan Kee Student Center AVR. We would also like to thank our speakers, Mr. Virgilio "Vio" Esguerra of Kaalagad and Assoc. Prof. Arlen Ancheta, who stressed on the importance of being styro-free and making the earth-friendly choice. We would be posting an article about the launch, as well as the names of all those who made the pledge to be a part of the Movement for a Styro-free University. Stay tuned!

Are you ready to say NO to Styro?

Come and join us as we launch the Styro-Free Campaign!

What: Styro-Free Campaign Launch

When: September 3, 2009
Where: UST Tan Yan Kee Student Center
Audio-Visual Room

Time: 2:00 - 4:00 PM

The Movement for a Styro-free University

"no-styro" articles

We have been browsing around for information that would help us in our styro-free campaign, and we found some interesting articles. We linked these below. :)

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SPUP: A University Within a Botanical Garden
St. Paul University Philippines (SPUP) – the lead university of the St. Paul University System- is located at the center of a developing northern city of the Philippines – Tuguegarao City. Yet, it is surprising that its land area of 7.6 hectares is home to hundreds of trees, thousands of flowering plants and numerous species of birds and butterflies amidst scores of infrastructures – mini-parks, school and office buildings, mini-gymnasium, and a chapel.
...
The University has been implementing revolutionary mandates on the protection of the environment since last year. SPUP has enjoined everyone to reduce, reuse and recycle waste materials. At present, SPUP’s garbage truck just conveys waste materials which are neither reusable nor recyclable and only goes to the dump site twice a week. This truck used to transport voluminous garbage daily from Monday to Friday.

How did this happen? Well, here are SPUP’s best practices on environmental stewardship:
...
NO TARP, NO STYRO POLICY. Last June 2009, the management representative of the University, issued a memorandum against the use of tarpaulin and styrofoam in the school premises. As of now, the SPUP Canteen and the SPUP Wellness Center no longer use plastic or styrofoam for any of the food served to the Paulinians.

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Private and gov’t establishments to be required to use eco-friendly products

A Publication of the Committee Affairs Department of the House of Representatives.

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http://www.thegreentheory.com/
a blog about environmentalism in the Philippines. It was nice to read about what other institutions and groups have been doing to help the environment.

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FEU goes greener
A neighbor university along the U-belt decides to go green!

"Additional words “eco-friendly” and “care for the environment” will be added to the FEU vision-mission statement to symbolize FEU’s seriousness in caring for the environment."

Click the link to read the article from the FEU Advocate.

Styro-Free Campaign Launch

The official launch of the Styro-free Campaign will be on September 3, 2009, at the Tan Kee AVR, from 9:00 AM - 12:00 NN. See you there!

Styro-free launch moved

Instead of August 28, the launch of the Styro-free Campaign will be moved to a later date to make way for the Rector's Report. Please wait for further announcements.

Are you Styro-free?

We are!

1. Office for Community Development, Main Building
2. College of Nursing Org Room, St. Martin de Porres Bldg.
3. STAUST Faculty Room, Albertus Magnus Bldg.
4. UST Museum Office, Main Building (and they fine visitors fifty pesos for every offense!)
5. Tan Yan Kee Student Center Building (yes, the whole building! Thanks, Office for Student Affairs!)

Are YOU Styro-free? Send us a message and we'll be glad to add you to the list. Welcome to the Movement for a Styro-free University of Santo Tomas!

Styrofree Campaign updates

The Styrofree Campaign will be introduced to the different student organizations during the Student Leaders' Community Development Forum on July 30-31, 2009, at the Tan Yan Kee AVR.

The campaign will be officially launched on August 28, 2009, from 10:00-12:00 NN, also at the Tan Yan Kee AVR. Please stand by for further announcements. :)

OCD initiates Movement for a Styro-Free University

Fact: The University of Santo Tomas produces at least twenty garbage bags full of Styrofoam packs a day.

This was based on a study conducted by the Office for Community Development (OCD) in coordination with different student organizations of the university, in cooperation with the City Service Corporation Janitorial Services. For five days, Styrofoam containers (food keepers and cups) were segregated in each of the buildings and placed in separate garbage bags.

The result? A hundred and seven (107) garbage bags of Styro packs—enough to fill four classrooms—were collected from nine areas of the University at the end of the week. When it comes to ‘going green’, UST has a long way to go.

As part of the University’s efforts to take an active role on the current environmental concerns, the Office for Community Development (OCD) is organizing a University-wide Styro-free campaign. The campaign initially aims to minimize the use of Styrofoam-based products within the university through a unified and conscious effort from the whole Thomasian community.

Last September 2008, the campaign was initiated through convening different student organizations from the high school to the college levels. A conceptualization meeting was held to introduce the campaign and share each other’s experiences, thoughts and ideas on minimizing the consumption of Styrofoam-based products. To jumpstart the campaign, it was suggested that the current Styro use first be monitored, after which, advocacy and intervention measures have to be undertaken. During the implementation of the campaign, Styro use will be continuously monitored—when the figures are cut by at least twenty per cent (20%) at the end of the first phase of the implementation period, and by fifty per cent (50%) in the latter phase—that means the campaign is effective. To make it a complete success, however, we must be able to cut more than that—and make the whole University Styro-free.

Mr. Peter Reyes Jr., Senior Supervisor, and Ms. Mila Ocon, Supervisor, along with the different Building Leaders of the City Service Corporation, agreed to the idea and set about to segregate and tally the number of Styro packs used. For five days from September 22-26, 2008—a week nearing final exams—the Janitorial Services personnel and the different student organizations observed Styro use, writing down how much Styro was put in the trash using a Daily Styro Monitoring Form similar to the Daily Waste Segregation Monitoring Form being used by the Janitorial Services. At the end of each disposal time, Styro packs were collected and put in separate garbage bags. On the average, a large plastic garbage bag contained a hundred (100) Styro units or packs.

The buildings and areas monitored were as follows: Roque Ruaño (Engineering), Albertus Magnus (Education), AMV-College of Accountancy, St. Martin de Porres (Medicine), St. Raymund de Peñafort (AB-Commerce), Main Building, Tan Yan Kee Student Center, Grounds, and Gardening. Note that the Beato Angelico (CFAD-Archi) and Benavides (High School) Buildings are not included here (these buildings do not fall under the jurisdiction of the City Services Corp.).

The student organizations and faculty members who convened during the conceptualization of the campaign were the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountancy, UST Mountaineering Club, Thomasian Junior Marketing Association, Earth-UST, UST-PURE, UST Education High School Student Council, UST High School Student Council, Central Student Council, Student Organizations Coordinating Council, Assoc. Prof. Arlen Ancheta, Prof. J.V. Ignacio, Prof. Crescencio Doma Jr., Prof. Alvin Ang, and Prof. Arlene de Leon. They are all now part of the Movement for a Styro-free University. With their initiative, the week-long monitoring of Styro use was conducted, and already there have been suggestions on what can be done to reduce the University’s Styro use.

Now that we know just how much Styro the University consumes, what’s next? Well, here now comes the hard part: advocacy and intervention. What intervention measures can be done to minimize Styro use? The easiest would have to be this: the success of the campaign depends on, first and foremost, ourselves.

The OCD, admitting to notorious large-scale Styro use during activities and trainings, started with a no-Styro policy in its events. The Pistang Tomas conducted in December did not make use of any Styro-based products whatsoever, earning for the event the “Styro-free seal”. The OCD hopes student organizations will do the same, conducting meetings and activities without Styro food packs. Or, as an individual student, to avoid (or as a start, to lessen) buying food that comes in Styro containers.

The College of Nursing has a designated classroom for students who bring their lunches to school—this dining area reduces the need to buy from nearby food establishments, therefore also reducing the waste produced from ‘take-out’ bags—Styro packs and plastic spoons and forks, not to mention the plastic bag itself. Bringing one’s own food container is ‘in’.

More participatory intervention measures have to be undertaken by the whole Thomasian community—students, faculty, non-teaching staff, and administration—to further this advocacy. The Office for Community Development is simply the convenor; we are looking up to the students and administration as the implementers.

Part of the campaign involves conducting research. Aside from doing case studies on Styro use, the campaign encourages research on alternative “eco-friendly” packaging for food. Starchware, made up largely of cornstarch and other bio-degradable materials, is another food packaging product out in the market today, in addition to carton and paper plates. Starchware is however, more expensive than Styro—if concessionaires are convinced to use these, the food products would no doubt cost more. What now?

An information drive about the pros and cons of Styro use will also be put into action, implemented by the student organizations who have become part (and who also want to be a part) of the Movement for a Styro-Free University. The info drive will make students more aware of the campaign, and also offer important facts and suggestions for cutting down Styro use.

During the conceptualization meeting, an interesting question was raised: Is it possible to bring one’s own food container or tumbler and ask for a discount from the food establishments if this is used as an alternate ‘plate’ or cup? For example, instead of being placed in Styro, your order of tapsilog will be placed in your own reusable “baunan”, and instead of paying the full price, you’ll get a discount of, say, at least one peso. Not only do you get to save some cash (because that is still around two hundred pesos a year), you also do your part in caring for the environment.

The Office for Community Development encourages students, and all Thomasians alike, to come up with thoughts about the issues raised here, suggestions (better if it’s being done already!), and ideas about the campaign. Let’s concentrate on minimizing Styro use within the University for now (plastic products are next!), and soon, we’ll be on our way to a greener, more environment-caring Thomasian community.

For more information on the campaign and the Movement for a Styro-Free University, you may contact Ms. Lauren Villarama ("Ate Orya") of the Office for Community Development.