Local businesses and USD commit to sustainability

Vermillion has a population of 10,706 according to the 2011 census, and many of those people are trying to come together for the greater good of the community.
buy amitriptyline online https://www.mabvi.org/wp-content/languages/new/usa/amitriptyline.html no prescription

The University of South Dakota has moved forward in an effort to preserve a sense of responsibility to the community with the addition of a sustainability major, according to Sustainability Program Coordinator Meghann Jarchow

According to the department website, the major aims to encourage “economic development, population, food security, ecosystems, energy, industry and conflict resolution,” — all things that are valuable in today’s economy.

Jarchow oversees the new program and teaches many of the core classes. She said the program is good because it’s very broad and covers a variety of ways to be a better citizen through social and environmental action.

“It’s asking the question, ‘What kind of world do you want?’” Jarchow said.

While there are limited options to work within Vermillion, this summer students will be partaking in internships at local food production operations and working with a corporation and developing their sustainability plan, Jarchow said.

Jarchow said the fall semester will bring with it a new array of options, as they are currently working to allow students to do service learning on the Missouri River clean-up and conservation projects for South Dakota Game Fish and Parks.

“It’s exciting because it gives students a wide breadth of knowledge,” Jarchow said. “They’re intangible, or what are sometimes called soft skills, that I think are really critical.”

USD is also attempting to highlight being Earth-friendly by featuring a gallery of art in the John A. Day Gallery until April 1, which consists of art that looks at the complex interactions between humans and nature.

While her displays of crows and ravens might not look very Earth-friendly, “Animal Shades,” by Karen Bondarchuk, explores the relationship between animals and humans in a completely different way.

Local businesses like Café Brulé and Cakes By Monica attempt to support a better community by simply hiring local students from USD, said restaurant owner Jim Waters.

Waters said he likes to support students because the students will, in turn, support the restaurant.

“It’d be crazy for us to go out of town, because we have just to many resources at the university,” he said.

With about 50 people on staff, Waters said he hires students because it’s good to form a relationship with them. Currently, the restaurant is getting ready to cater the Pi Phi Bow Tie philanthropy event.

“We try to target Vermillion for our needs when it comes to our business because there are so many avenues with the university here,” Waters said. “We utilize USD students first.”

Along with supporting students, Café Brulé recycles newspaper, cardboard and plastic.

“It’s so it doesn’t go into the dumpster,” Waters said. “It’s the right thing to do. It’s better for our environment.”

Local diner Cherry Street Grille also tries to support the community, according to owner Jon Robertson.

Robertson said while he hires college students because of the amount of workforce available, there’s another reason behind it.

“The kids that are here going to college are typically motivated,” he said. “They’re people that are moving on to do other things, so oftentimes they are able to manage their time.”

Cherry Street Grille also works with the Delta Tau Delta fraternity and caters their evening meals.

“It’s mutually beneficial,” Robertson said. “Being in business in general, you rely on the community. On our end, it’s our duty to give back a certain amount to the community.”

And Cherry Street Grille does this by providing meals for the Welcome Table, a weekly event to feed those in need, at no cost, if a person cannot afford to pay.

The restaurant also recycles, and travel to Sioux City to recycle glass, a service that is not available in Vermillion.

“In order for us to be truly successful as a community business, those are things we need to do,” Robertson said.