Office of the Assemblies

Dear Juliana,<br /> <br />Thank you for sharing Student Assembly Resolution 27: Ending Bottled Water Sales on Cornell Campus.

Dear Juliana,<br /> <br />Thank you for sharing Student Assembly Resolution 27: Ending Bottled Water Sales on Cornell Campus. I sincerely appreciate the efforts of the Student Assembly and those of the other organizations acting as signatories on this resolution.<br /> <br />I have consulted with staff members in Student and Campus Life enterprise units, as well as others across campus, including Cornell’s procurement team. After careful consideration, I have determined that Cornell University will continue to study and monitor the purchase, sale, and distribution of bottled water on the Cornell campus, but we will not ban the practice, nor will we impose an additional tax burden to our community on their purchases of bottled water.<br /> <br />Since I arrived at Cornell last year, I have been impressed by the energy and passion with which our community members, students and staff alike, pursue the cause of sustainability in the interests of conserving Cornell's resources and the world's. I believe that we can, should, and must continue to find new ways for Cornell to improve and innovate in this area, but there are many factors at play with the question of bottled water.<br /> <br />We already sell, at significant discount, refillable bottles and mugs in many locations, and as you have pointed out, have made water filling stations available in place of, or in addition to, drinking fountains as buildings are renovated or built. As part of our educational program, we will continue to encourage and expand the use of these kinds of sustainable containers and practices for individuals and at large events. It is essential that you and the partner student organizations work with us to make this impact. Success will lie in influencing consumer buying habits, rather than prohibiting the purchase of bottled water.<br /> <br />Schools and universities that have imposed restrictions and bans on bottled water sales have noted increases in other bottled beverage sales, which includes an increase in sale of sugary beverages. Cornell Dining is committed to providing healthy food and beverage options, and we want to make sure that consumers who want to choose a healthy bottled beverage can do so.<br /> <br />I am very supportive of your efforts, and I will request that the President's Sustainable Campus Committee prepare a timeline of specific suggested measures designed to encourage educational efforts on the consumption of bottled water. This timeline will be included in Cornell's annual progress report on campus sustainability initiatives and commitments as part of the Climate Action Plan.<br /> <br />Once again, I would like to express my appreciation to the Student Assembly and the other student organizations involved in this initiative for their input on this important issue. Please be assured that your concerns and suggestions were carefully considered, and that my decision is based on a serious assessment of all aspects of this question. I believe this course of action fairly balances Cornell's financial and environmental values and responsibilities, and is in the best interest of the University for the foreseeable future.<br /> <br />Sincerely,<br /> <br />Elizabeth Garrett