Monday, February 26, 2018

Saving $$ With The KSA

As your student association, we live to support Kwantlen students and make their lives easier in as many ways as possible. One of the ways we try to make your lives easier, is to help save you money. 
Here is a list of some ways we help you to save $$$

1) FREE COMPUTER REPAIR
If you haven't already heard about REBOOT, you'll be super happy with yourself for reading this blog post. REBOOT is our free computer repair service located on the Richmond and Surrey Campuses. That's right, we'll fix your computer for free. Your computer is likely a super important device for you, not only do you use it to scroll Facebook, but you write your essays, email profs and submit assignments on it as well. So if it's running super slow, or has a glitch, bring it in to our REBOOT Technicians, they'll help you out. The one exception in cost, is parts, you'll have to pay for any new parts that your computer may need, but the labour, software issues, etc, those are all free! 

2) INEXPENSIVE GYM PASSES
While the KPU Gym and Fitness Centres are free for students, we understand that it's not always convenient to work out on campus, many KPU students live across the Lower Mainland. Our solution? Inexpensive Steve Nash Passes. We have a partnership with Steve Nash Gyms to get students monthly fitness passes for as low as $5 per month (Steve Nash locations that have more amenities than normal are a few dollars more, but all options are significantly cheaper than buying a normal pass). We figure that while it may not be easy for you to make it to a KPU Fitness Centre, there likely IS a Steve Nash Gym near where you live or work. More information on discounted Steve Nash passes here

3) ACTIVE KSA ADVENTURES
We live in a beautiful corner of the world with hiking, biking and so many other outdoor activities at our fingertips and we think it's hugely beneficial for students to have the opportunity to adventure in a safe and cost-friendly environment. Our Active KSA department hosts a variety of different adventure outings based on the season. In the Summer you can join guided hikes of all levels for free, or get the shuttle from KPU to Cultus Waterslides. Winter weather brings a whole other group of activities from $30 snow tubing adventures (including transportation there and back from a KPU campus), to rock climbing and ice skating. Active KSA is a great option for any student who wants to go on an adventure but doesn't want to go alone, doesn't want to do the planning or wants to save money! Check out upcoming Active KSA events here.

4) FREE FOOD
Have you ever been to one of our events on campus? If you have, I'm willing to bet you've eaten some free pizza, burgers, samosas, or corn. We love food and we know you do as well, so check out when we're coming to your campus and have a free snack/lunch/coffee on us! 

5) MOVIE TICKETS
All our KSA Member Services locations sell discounted movie passes to Cineplex Theatres. That means you can stop by after class, buy a $9 movie ticket from us and redeem it once you're at the theatre. Save those extra dollars for some popcorn or skittles. Bonus: during the Summer, we also sell discounted tickets to Playland! 


6) FREE SWAG
Sporks, Bike repair kits, stress balls, coffee mugs, drawstring bags, agendas... those are just a few of the many swag items we've given away during the KSA's lifetime. Similar to free food, most of our events have free swag you can pick up, or at the very least we usually have some kind of giveaway you can enter by participating at our booth. Interested in more practical things? KSA Member Services are always stocked with free condoms and feminine menstrual products that you can grab in a pinch. 

7) UPASS 
Oh our beloved UPASS. Most people love it, a few people (usually drivers) aren't the biggest fans, but no one can doubt it saves you money! A regular 1 month 3 zone Adult pass is $172, but as KPU Students under the UPASS you pay a whopping (this is sarcasm, it's a very discounted price) $51. Also if you have a car and use the UPASS instead, you don't have to pay for parking at campus and downtown. There is no denying it, the UPASS is super convenient and it's saving you money. 

8) CAFÉ DISCOUNTS
The last thing I want to make sure you know about, is the student discount at KSA GrassRoots Café. Did you know that as a KPU student you receive a 5% discount on all non-alcoholic purchases at the cafe? Want some nachos? Discount. Coffee? Discount. Tater Tots? Discount. You may not think it's much, but it IS saving you money, and every little bit counts when textbook prices are threatening to drain your wallet, am I right?

So there are 8 ways that the KSA helps you save money. From movie tickets to free swag to inexpensive gym passes, we really do aim to support services that make things easier for you, Kwantlen Students. Want to know more about our services and other ways we help you save $$? I recommend you head here.. 

Until next time!

Kendell 


Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Waste Audit Part 1

So what can I do?


Arguably, climate change, oceans full of plastic and the continued use of fossil fuels aren’t things that each of us individually can solve.  That said, we don’t have to just ‘continue as is’ powerlessly waiting for others to make changes. Everyday we can take actions that help the planet but also help our bodies and minds in a lot of ways.

Modern culture, through media, marketing and social norms, tells us to shop, accumulate and get more in order to be happy, successful and so on.  What many people are finding out is this routine of more, more, more isn’t making us happy, healthy or satisfied.  In turn, more people are turning to living lighter - purchasing less, looking for durable, reusable items when they do need new things and reducing the amount of waste they create.


This idea of living lighter doesn’t happen overnight, there is no perfect solution, and what works for you and your family may not work for others, but many people have noticed they feel better, spend less money and generate less waste.


KPU Students performing a waste audit, 2015.  


So you ask, how can you start? My first recommended step is to do a waste audit. Look honestly, at the amount of waste generated by your household and then take steps to reduce that waste. You’ll probably quickly realize that nearly half of your waste is compostable, another quarter is recyclable and the rest is bound for the landfill.  The average north American generates four pounds of garbage a day – at the end of this you’ll get to find out how you compare – don’t worry there’s no shame this is all about learning.


Doing a waste audit isn’t difficult though it does take some preparation and organization. Essentially, you're going to gather all your waste from the kitchen, bathrooms, offices and such for a few days, and measure it by weighing or counting and then calculating how much you generate per person or per day for your household. Once you know what your waste is, investigate where its coming from and what you can do to reduce it. Don’t forget to get your roommates, partners and family involved because they’re responsible for that waste too and they will probably be mores supportive if they’re included too!  


For more details on conducting your own audit try one of these great blogs:



From your audit, you’ll probably find some changes you could make right away - sorting your recycling properly or using a reusable coffee cup. One of the best things you can do is make sure that what you’re currently recycling in your municipal or building recycling bins is actually what’s meant to go in those bins - look up your municipal website or talk to your building manager and make sure you stick to what’s allowed. Wishcycling (hoping it can be recycled), actually reduces the ability of that whole bin to be recycled.  Other changes might require more research and planning - any change to reduce waste is positive and it won’t all happen overnight. If you want to follow along,  Next month, we’ll explore doing a waste audit with some of our KSA staffers who undertook this project in December so you can compare your results to some locals doing the same thing!  We’ll also delve into some great resources for starting your journey looking at the waste you generate but if you’re curious right now - just hit up Google, Instagram or Pintrest and search zero waste.


By looking at ways to reduce your waste you’re joining a growing movement of people striving to live zero waste, reduce their plastic use, take better care of their bodies or just create a personal challenge for themselves.


If your curious about why reducing garbage and waste is important try some of these resources:


-- Mairi (KSA Sustainability Coordinator) 

Waste Audit Part 2 coming soon...