With the World in One Hand and a Bolus in the Other

By: Laura van der Laan

On November 12, 2014, the whole of Middelburg will gather; the young and the old, the professors and the businessmen, the shop owners and students; all in order to explore a concept that has become increasingly important in our highly industrialized and modern world: sustainability. The term sustainability has been thrown around in speeches, campaign slogans, etc, but has only recently begun to become a serious concern in the international community. While member states set up treaties and conventions on sustainability and environmental protection in the hopes of spreading awareness and accountability, many people are left a bit clueless as to what exactly an individual can do to essentially change the face of the Earth. Although the conference is relatively small, it aims to address this exact issue and inspire both the young and the old to implement simple sustainable practices in their own lives, and focuses on a realistic and optimistic approach to the serious issue.

 

It was Peter Ippel, law professor at University College Roosevelt, who first brought about the idea to hold a sustainability conference in Middelburg. An advocate of sustainable practices and protecting the rights of future generations, Ippel asked students in his law class if they were interested in taking on such an initiative. Five students immediately raised their hands; and from here, the difficult but creative process commenced.

 

The students and the Professor engaged in several brainstorm sessions; analysing what types of ideas and principles the conference woud value, the overall message, and ways in which the conference could be both serious and entertaining. Both students and professor were incredibly excited and determined to create a conference which would truly inspire Middelburg people to act and to ask critical questions about the state of sustainability in many corporations.

 

The program of the conference involves four speakers, video footage, and music. Speakers include Dr. Ellen Oerlemans (Manager Public Affairs, DSM Netherlands), Dr. Jan Willem van der Schans (Wageningen University/Eetbaar Rotterdam), Mr. Femke Wijdekop (Institute for Environmental Security, Den Haag), and Mr. drs. Dirk Duijzer (Directeur duurzaamheid, Rabobank Nederland), who will each address both corporate responsibility to achieve sustainability, as well as the individual’s role in creating change. Furthermore, the students have organized a trip to Antwerp, in which they will explore a “zero-waste” shop named Robuust. According to owner Savina Istas, it is only the fourth shop like this in the world; Texas, Spain, Italy, and Berlin all have their own version of the packaging-free store. The students also wish to work together with other associations to discover how students can become environmentally sustainable.

 

The conference is not only a great initiative for students to become involved in an increasingly relevant issue, but also involves Middelburg citizens and businesses in the stride toward sustainability.  ‘T Hof Welgelegen, a farm specialised in sustainable and local products, offers weekly bags containing various vegetables or fruits for only €6,50 a bag. It requires no effort on your part besides picking up this bag of sustainable goodies, and you are being environmentally responsible while doing it. Not only is this a great offer for students, it also helps out ‘T Hof Welgelegen, as they are currently working towards having all machinery run on solar power.

 

If you are not interested in cooking your own food, you will be surprised that many places around Middelburg promote sustainability. The use of organic, fair-trade, seasonal and local produce is promoted in places such as Brasserie Panneke, De Gouden Bock, and even in the centre of the Middelburg culinary scene, an all-time favourite: De Vriendschap. Places like these focus on sustainability and prevention of food waste.

 

You do not need to go far to make your life a little more sustainable, and you will enjoy the process.  If you are interested in what else you can do to make your life more sustainable, the event is coming up soon! But remember, only 25-30 students are allowed to attend the conference; thereby, seats are distributed first come first serve!

 

Dumisani Nyoni of Earth Charter Nederland stated in one of her many articles that one quote has always stayed in her mind: “I am, because I participate.” The aim of the conference embodies this principle-that the individual can and should participate in the stride towards sustainability. Make sure to apply for a spot in the conference and take note of the many sustainable opportunities in Middelburg!

 

 

Laura van der Laan, class of 2016, is a Law major from Orinda, California. 

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