Council of Canadians chairperson Maude Barlow will receive an honorary degree at the 2009 Convocation ceremonies at Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario on the morning of Wednesday June 3.
Their media release also notes, “By eliminating the use of commercial bottled water at the ceremonies, Trent will reduce the negative environmental and social impacts of 5,000 single-use water bottles, which have been consumed at previous ceremonies. In lieu of bottled water, the University will set up a water station at an Information Table to provide tap water in recyclable or biodegradable cups to all guests of Convocation. Graduates will each receive a take-home gift of a stainless steel water bottle which will be filled with tap water for their use during the outdoor ceremonies.”
Maude says, “I am thrilled that Trent is going green and bottle water-free for its 2009 Convocation. It shows a deep commitment to the environment that is a model for all students and is totally compatible with the exemplary environmental leader that Trent has become on the Canadian university scene. I am even more proud now to be honoured at this year’s Convocation.
Trent University president Bonnie Patterson adds, “This will be an exciting moment for Trent as it holds one of Canada’s first bottled water-free university convocations…”
Congratulations Maude!
