Change of drink vending machines

As our readers who are associated with Otago Polytechnic are aware, the polytechnic has made a committment to sustainability.  It is a slow process but over time changes are being made to the gardens and grounds around the living campus concept, buildings are being checked for energy efificency and being improved upon, and so on. 

A recent announcement is that there will be a change of vending machines from Coca-Cola to Frucor. As well as energy drinks, Frucor have brands for bottled water, fruit juices, the Pepsi range and the likes of 'Up and Go'. As part of the contract change, the polytechnic has specified that the vending machines contain NO energy drinks and they must offer healthier drink options. 

If you visit the Frucor website you will find information on what they term 'social responsibility'.  Their philosophy includes "community,environment and health," according to the website. You can read more about their social responsibility philosophy by clicking here. It is great they have this commitment, it is up to you to assess it. 

Firstly, I would like to commend the polytechnic on making changes - small steps towards something better.  I imagine the battle of the big corporates is a hard battle to fight and I am aware that the change from Coca-Cola to Frucor must have been a long running challenge. 

Secondly, I would like to comment that taking it further would be a fantastic step but a larger voice is required.  For students, as members of the student body, it is your campus, whether you are on campus or based remotely.  What commitments need to be made for us to be the leaders in terms of sustainability?  Consider what you would want/expect about sustainable leadership and lobby with your student voice through OPSA.  Vote with your money - will you spend it on bottled drinks or fill up your reusable water bottle? 

Perhaps we could lobby Frucor to supply vending machines that provide drinks in bulk refill packaging so that you can refill your reusable drinking vessels and reduce packaging waste.  Perhaps we could say 'no' to vending machines all together?  It really is up to the collective voice.  One person doing their best to try and negotiate changes is slow and requires huge efforts.  A loud collective voice will really start to be heard. 

I wanted to leave you with a parting diagram titled: The illusion of choice..................

Enough said

Have a great week