As Earth Day is just around the corner, it is healthy to look introspectively at sustainability at our home on Creighton’s Campus. Creighton claims to have sustainability measures in place, (the solar array, the wind turbines and others), however, Creighton seem to be implementing these measures for sustainability marketing first, sustainability second. Creighton needs to put out other sustainability measures — big or small — that are not sustainable on the surface level but long-term, systematic changes.

One relatively easy idea would be to implement the use of reusable bags in the to-go dining options and the convenience stores. This would be a long-term implementation beginning with the selling of Creighton-branded reusable bags at the FanAttic Bookstore in the Mike and Josie Harper Center. The next phase would be to offer a 10 cent discount at the locations previously described if a student were to use the new bags.

This would require programing a new option in the Blackboard Transact software. During this next phase, Creighton would alter their plastic bag purchasing rate to match the declined rate of consumption. The third phase would include offering these reusable bags as an option for incoming freshman.

This movement may seem trivial, however, this is far from the truth. Creighton has immense potential to become a leader in sustainable practices among Jesuit Schools. This is not just about reusable bags, reducing trash, or cleaning up Creighton’s campus. It is also about Creighton making a statement and saying these actions are worth taking and are a step in the right direction.