news // no. 4 Douglas Discusses: Bottle ban » We ask students their thoughts on the plastic bottle ban, and if they have been affected by it ea sz ee Jessica Berget Editor-in-Chief tarting September 1, Douglas College made the pledge to reduce the use of single-use plastics by banning plastic water bottles on all campuses. A Douglas College press release claimed that 92 percent of respondents said they strongly support the ban. With the ban now in full effect, the Other Press went out and interviewed students about whether they still think the ban is a good idea, and whether they have been personally affected by it. Here’s what the students of Douglas had to say. Seema, an Administration major and Jamie, in Sport Sciences both agreed that implementing the ban was a good choice. “I think it’s good they’re doing it,” said Jamie. “I bring my own Swell bottle to school so [I’m] not really [affected by it].’ Support of the plastic bottle ban did not waver with the next group of students. Jennifer, majoring in Geography and Sophie, a Sports science major both agreed that the ban is needed. “I read that on the website actually last night and [thought] that’s a good idea,” said Jennifer. They also concurred that they weren't affected by the ban, as they bring their own reusable bottles. Some students were more passionate about the ban being implemented. When asked if they thought it was a good idea, Josh, a Music major replied “Hell yeah.” Followed with the question if they had been affected by it, Josh’s response took a serious tone. “This world has. Honestly, don't even get me started on the whole plastic thing,” he said. “Us human beings have just made a mess, you know. Is there any fixing anything at this point?” Many of the students at Douglas College conceded that the bottle ban is a step in the right direction. With so many students already bringing their own reusable water bottles to school, it seemed the ban did not affect many individuals on campus. Or so we thought, until we talked to Sonam Kaloti, the Arts editor at the Other Press. “Originally [on the first day of class] I had an audition where I needed to sing. Forgot to bring water because that just happens sometimes. Honestly, I left home thinking I could just buy some,” said Sonam, in an email interview. She then goes onto explain her stance on the ban, and what happened when she realized there was no plastic water bottles on campus. “Yeah, plastic sucks for the environment but [you] need water when you need water,’ she explains. “I only own ee — a 2L [bottle] at home and I’m not trying to lug that around. | went to a vending machine and there was no water bottles. Then I went to the cafeteria and there was no water bottles anywhere in there either. I thought this was weird but didn’t connect that there was a ban. I went on a wild goose chase hoping there might bea place to buy water. I really did need more than just a little bit from the fountain, so I left the school to buy it from a restaurant across the street. I figured it was time to buy a theotherpress.ca Photo by Billy Bui water bottle after that day, but Douglas pulled through and I got a free one.” It may be a pain for those who forget their bottles at home, or dont realize that there is aban on campus. However, as far as the general consensus of Douglas College students goes, it is necessary for the well- being of our planet. Have you been affected by the plastic bottle ban? Have a different stance? Email us at editor.otherpress@gmail.com BC government's takes step towards mental wellness for students » Education minister announces investment for troubled young adults in school Tania Arora Staff Reporter he government of British Columbia announced its plan to offer $8.87 million to the school districts and independent schools on September 4. The amount is directed towards the mental health and wellness programs over the next three years. Individual grants shall be given to students to help them with mental health issues or challenges arising from the use of substance. According to the government report, Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions stated, “Students need a safe place to say, ‘I’m not ok, whether they're struggling with anxiety or depression or any mental health issue. This investment will help provide students, parents and educators with the tools they need to support mental well-being for students across BC for years to come.’ The funding shall be channeled through 60 school districts and will be used for staff student workshops, family information nights, staff training or to develop new resource materials for families or educators. The government is concerned about the response of students to trauma and their social and emotional learning. “We know there is a gap in student success for those who struggle with mental health challenges in BC,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Education. He further added, “With this funding, we want to ensure all students—no matter where they live or the size of their school— are able to get the quality help they need, when they need it.” The school districts in association with the Indigenous partners will develop activities that are safe and match the requirements of the youth. A portion Photo via Province of British Columbia on Flickr of it shall also be used to support the professional development of educators. The program shall involve the engagement of leadership organizations, friends and families. Anushka Basantani, a student at Douglas College in an interview with the Other Press said, “I have seen and heard of many instances where students have harmed themselves while low on self- esteem due to crisis in their life. They aren’t able to think practically and feel they have no one to talk to in traumatic situations. I really hope that the programs that schools will now have will help the students cope up with situations in a better way.” The BC government is also planning to hold a School Community Mental Health Conference in 2020. The allotted funding shall be used for it as well. The conference will witness the participation of 500 BC public, independent and First Nations schools, police, health authorities, and child and youth mental health workers. The participants are active members involved in mental health and addictions services for all BC students. The move saw huge encouragement from the families and teachers. Students will now have someone or something to fall back too.