Piedmont College Navigator

Issue date: 2/11/08 Section: News

North Georgia is in extreme drought with a deficit of 20 inches for the last 12 months. Dr. Tom Bowen, vice president of finance, is preparing the campus for expected water restrictions from the state.

"Tighter restrictions from the state could lead to water rationing," says Bowen.

In an attempt to save water on campus, low-volume toilets and showerheads have been installed in some of the dorms on campus.

Now Bowen is looking to conserve water in the dining hall. A high percentage of water is used to wash dishes. Bowen addressed the Piedmont Student Leadership Council on Jan. 30 to talk about changes that can be made to save water. His main suggestion was to use disposable plates and utensils in the dining hall.

Students at the meeting were concerned about the amount of waste that will cause. Bowen says he is researching recyclable materials that can be used.

"Plastic plates are cheaper than paper," says Jamie Ballew, director of dining services. "But paper is better for the environment."

Ballew says research hasn't been done to determine how students on campus feel about using plastic or paper plates in the dining hall.

"I'm just worried about the toughness of the plastic utensils," says Amanda Poland, member of the Student Leadership Council.

Poland suggested using disposable plates, but continuing to use the utensils available now. Bowen says they are considering all options right now.

Ballew says there are other ways to conserve water that can be explored first before using disposable items. Going without trays is one of Ballew's ideas. He also says he wants more students to participate in Chartwell's Project Green Thumb. Green Thumb cups are available for purchase. Students can refill the cups throughout the day and avoid using the Styrofoam cups available in the dining hall.

"If the majority of students use the cups, that could have an effect on the amount of waste the dining hall produces," says Ballew.

Piedmont uses water from three different wells that are not city water. One is used to water the athletic fields, one to water the landscaping at the Swanson Center and one is located at the bottom of the Getman-Babcock parking lot. The last well was recently activated. There's one more well near the maintenance building that can be utilized if needed Bowen says.

"It's hard to imagine a drought with the recent rain," says Bowen, "but that won't solve months of dry weather."

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