The Carleton University Students’ Association (CUSA) tabled a motion to ban the sale of water bottles at Abstentions at the Rideau River Residence Association (RRRA) meeting on Nov. 26.
Both the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) and CUSA indicated their committment to ban water bottles in student businesses and eventually on all of campus.
“Right now, the RRRA is the only association that still sells water bottles through Aramark,” said Craig Handy, CUSA vice president (finance). He said once all three main student groups on campus ban the sale of water bottles, the university would feel pressure to ban them across campus.
Water bottles were removed from the CUSA-owned Henry’s in 2012. However, this year Handy put forward a motion to the CUSA council to bring water bottles back to Henry’s because it was suffering business-wise and to inform the university of the problem.
CUSA voted not to bring water bottles back, but instead take a more aggressive stance to ban the sale of water bottles by approaching the university itself. The university has felt no pressure to do so, nor had they been aware of the issue, according to Handy.
Handy spoke with RRRA vice-president (administration) Cameron Bradshaw about the motion. Handy said Bradshaw has concerns, as the motion could potentially affect the association financially, but he does understand the environmental impact involved.
“Once we get all the students associations on board . . . we can ultimately, as students, lead by example,” Handy said.
According to Graham Pedregosa, RRRA president, the office had not had any complaints about selling water bottles before. Pedregosa also said RRRA was not adequately prepared to discuss the motion because it was suggested three days prior to the meeting.
“It’s strange to come in here and try to change constitution with three days notice,” Pedregosa said.
RRRA floor representatives said they were concerned they didn’t have enough notice to consult residence students before the meeting or to look closely at the numbers.
Many were concerned about tap water, especially in Glengarry, with some representatives noting some students are unable to drink it without feeling ill.
The motion was tabled to the Political Action Committee, with six votes against and 18 in favour, to be discussed at a later date.
“At RRRA we will now be having proper discussion about it,” Pedregosa said. He added he expects it will take a few more meetings before the committee will come to a decision.
The agenda also included discussing the RRRA budget, which was passed.
