It's not up to the student body president to ensure that the dining halls have organic food. Nor is it his or her job to create renewable energy projects on campus.
When it comes to environmental issues the president serves not as a policy setter but as a key promoter of ongoing initiatives.
With more than 18 passionate and knowledgeable environmental groups on campus the president's job is to facilitate and advocate for others' projects not to initiate new programs.
Though the next president won't be counted on to come up with new ideas" his or her support is vital for an idea's success.
""The SBP doesn't need to be totally hands-on"" said environmental affairs committee co-chairman Bill Bobbitt, who also works for Thomas Edwards' campaign.
The environmental affairs committee is the expert" and if the SBP feels like they know what's best for the community" they should just give them full steam ahead.""
Director of Sustainability Cindy Shea said that she has talked with many of the candidates about their platforms and that she welcomes their help in promoting a green lifestyle.
""It's always a process of getting better" she said. If student government wants to work with the staff to improve our performance and reduce our environmental impact" we will gladly partner with them.""
The president's closest adviser on sustainability issues is the environmental affairs committee. Though the chairman is picked by the student body president" committee membership is open and composed of members of many active environmental groups.
Brock Phillips the committee's co-chairman last year" said student body presidents come to office with different levels of interest and experience with environmental issues. They often consult with the committee to execute their platform.
""I definitely think it's a strength that the EAC has people who are in so many groups"" he said. Everyone is much more knowledgeable about issues on campus. It helps to speed things up a little and connect people.""
The committee members' extensive knowledge will allow them to connect the next president with groups already working on the initiatives they propose"" and put him or her in touch with groups who can get new ideas off the ground.
""The EAC does work to carry out the goals of the platform" or they're charged with finding other groups that can do it more effectively" Phillips said. A lot of things that the candidates propose are already happening.""
One of the best examples of this interaction is with Fair" Local and Organic Food a group that advocates for sustainable dining options.
This year all the candidates committed to supporting all of FLO's ongoing initiatives.
FLO members meet with Carolina Dining Services every other week and have been instrumental in getting cage-free eggs and grass-fed beef in the dining halls.
Scott Myers director of food and vending" said the president can provide a public face for existing initiatives.
The president has the ability to promote to a wider audience issues that environmental groups are already working on.
""I think (the president) validated some of the issues that FLO food has been working with us on sustainable food"" Myers said.
He said current president J.J. Raynor was key in getting reusable to-go containers in the dining halls.
In light of the current economic situation, most of the candidates are emphasizing small, inexpensive changes that can be accomplished in one term.
Although the campus as a whole is facing severe budget cuts, it may not necessarily have a negative impact on environmental initiatives.
Shea pointed out that improving energy efficiency on campus may actually reduce expenses at a time when money is tight.
There are two approaches to take" she said. You can say ‘economy's in the tank and we have no money' or you can say ‘the economy's in the tank and (energy costs of) $72 million is a huge share of the campus budget" so we need to be more proactive in trying to reduce that amount.'""
Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
Setting the course for the environment
