By Alexandra Butler
On Friday, Oct. 21, The University of Tampa held its first ever Sustainable Spartan Market on campus.
The Sustainable Spartan Market, organized by UT’s Environmental Protection Coalition (EPC), may become a monthly occurrence on UT’s campus.
“We’ve been planning this for months,” said Alexandra Larson, president of EPC. “We’re thrilled by the turnout. We did not expect this many people to come or to have this many people buy products so hopefully we can keep a good relationship with the vendors and make this a regular occurrence.”
According to Larson, EPC estimated that 500-600 people visited the market. 200 filled out a survey inquiring about interest in future markets, with 199 of those people expressing that they would attend another event.
All of the vendors reported to Larson that they plan to attend if EPC organizes the event again.
The market comes after the 2022 addition of the Environmental Studies program, and several recognitions for UT’s other environmentally centered degrees. UT’s Marine Science Biology program has been recognized as having the ninth best value in the nation according to College Values Online, and as 10th in the nation in 2021 by Bioexplorer.
Even with nationally ranked programs focusing on biology and the environment, the Sustainable Spartan Market is the first of its kind.
“We’re a decently sized campus and there’s a lot of people in environmental majors,” said Eamon Hennessy, president of UT’s branch of Roots and Shoots. “Obviously there’s a lot of interest in this [sustainability]. It’s a little crazy that this is the first time this has happened but I’m really glad and really grateful for everyone at EPC for setting this up.”
12 vendors set up around the Sykes Lawn to sell a range of products–all with a sustainable component. Two vendors were selling locally grown plants from five to 25 dollars. Sun Moon Creations, another vendor, was selling handmade clay jewelry. Barbara’s Kitchen sold handmade jelly and salsa, while other vendors had locally grown fruit, sustainable shampoo, and reusable tote bags.
Larson and other EPC members personally visited local Tampa markets to find vendors that UT students would be interested in.
“I would consider if I liked [the products], I would send pictures to my friends and see if they would buy it,” said Larson. “[Catering to students] was a big factor along with the sustainability factor. We have local clothing, or local zero waste stores, or jams and jellies that are homemade and things like that.”
Along with local vendors, several UT clubs participated in the event. Roots and Shoots was present at the event and was there to inform students about composting opportunities.
UT’s Fishing Club was also at the market to teach people about responsible and sustainable fishing practices.
“I had an incredible time at the market,” said Sam Johnson, senior marine science biology major. “I saw a lot of familiar faces… but also a lot of people that I didn’t know which was a good sign for how well it did. I hope that people that aren’t in these organizations already can start advocating for organizations like EPC and Roots and Shoots.”