Emory Shouldn't Run on Dunkin'
Tuesday, June 5, 2012 at 9:08AM
I am writing to you all to share my disappointment about the university’s recent decision to put a Dunkin’ Donuts in our beloved DUC. Not that I am terribly saddened to see Einstein’s go, I am just not certain that Dunkin’ Donuts belongs at our university. I’m not anti-doughnuts or some crazy health nut. In fact, I probably love doughnuts more than most people.
Since a freshman, I have seen our campus grow and develop. Many new LEED-certified buildings have been constructed in accordance with Emory’s mission in becoming a more sustainable institution. We’ve seen an increase in bike lanes and better pedestrian access across campus. And, most recently, we have become a smoke-free campus in an effort to prevent disease and to support a more sustainable lifestyle.
Through my time at Emory both inside and outside of the classroom, I have come to understand that living sustainably isn’t just reducing our power consumption; it’s a way of life. Being sustainable requires a holistic approach, and one that I believe the university needs to steadfastly embrace. It’s eating healthy, local food that will extend our lives and not require too many natural resources to move them from the farm to our campus. It’s making sure that we exercise and learn the importance of a physically active lifestyle. Sustainability is about building a community that fosters success and moves our university forward.