Radke - Week 7 - Dickinson

Earlier this week I was invited to go to Dickinson’s College Farm.  I am continually amazed with how Dickinson is so prideful and innovative on the ways in which they are leading college campuses in sustainability efforts.  The farm is just one of the many examples of this.  While out at the farm I learned that it supplies 85% of the fruits, vegetables, and seasonings for university dining.  The other 15% that it produces is sold at the local farmers market and also is distributed through a program; C.S.A: Community Supported Agriculture.  This program feeds over 100 families in the Carlisle area with these fresh products.  While we were out there I learned that everything that they produce is organic and the ways in which they make sure they stay true to what organic means. 

We also rode around in their Solar Powered Wheeler, which may be one of the coolest things I’ve done in a while.  This farm trip really left me thinking, “If this campus can make great strides to eating healthy, doing it in a positive environmental way, and educating others on it…why aren’t more starting this trend?”

I also learned after meeting with the provost this week that Dickinson ranks in the top 5 nationally in campus sustainability efforts.  I’ve noticed it during my time here by just the little things of you never seeing a regular trash can without a recycling trash can beside it.  Every light switch that does not have an automatic off switch if activity is dead in the room, has a reminder above it asking you to turn off the lights.  And personally I think the coolest thing is when you walk into the Student Union every morning you are greeted by the current energy levels of the college.  Dickinson is a leader in this effort and I would love to see it passed on more throughout the rest of higher education.

 (I know it's sideways, but I can't get it to flip and I wanted everyone to see it!)

Carrie