Dining Services is testing student responses to reusable to-go containers as an alternative to styrofoam.
The containers are currently for sale for $3 at the registers in Owen’s Food Court and are part of a pilot program by Dining Services.
“We’ve been looking at alternatives to Styrofoam for about two years,” said Elena Dulys-Nusbaum, sustainability coordinator for dining services. “Finding greener alternatives is part of my job description.”
Dulys-Nusbaum said the initiative for eco-friendly dining containers came from students.
“Students helped to suggest the idea, and Dining Services have been very supportive,” Dulys-Nusbaum said.
The Environmental Coalition is a group of students who have been active in pushing the initiative.
“The school is trying to become more recognized as a ‘green school,’ so it’s trying to receive credit for the environmentally friendly initiatives,” said Kara Dodson, EC president.
Dining Services hopes the program will expand to other dining halls in the future.
“We’re hoping to expand, but there might be different options at other dining centers because each dining center has its unique way of operating,” Dulys-Nusbaum said. “So far this has been positive and constructive.”
However, she said much of the success of the program depends on students.
“I hope that students support its continuation and expansion. Write in comment cards, send me an e-mail and talk to dining staff. If you want a styrofoam alternative, be sure to have your voice heard. Then we’ll look into continuing it,” Dulys-Nusbaum said.
Dodson said she will continue to support of the program.
“It would be really effective to teach students that less waste means less funds for waste removal,” Dodson said. “It would be great if we could change students’ mindsets.”
A version of this article appeared in the Apr 29 issue of the Collegiate Times.
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They should come up with some sort of reusable food container that is about the size of the styrofoam containers because that is where all the waste is, people getting there food to go, not as much as the drink cups.
If I had three or 4 reusable food containers we all should be willing to keep them clean and bring them into the dining hall to fill up with food. This would make a huge impact on the waste. Styrofoam is the worst for the environment
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So I have to clean them and bring them back with me? The great thing about styrofoam is that I DON'T have to clean it and bring it back. I'll pass thanks.
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Cue facepalm in three, two, one...
*Facepalm*
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Eco-friendly reusable containers? Sounds like liberal propaganda to me. I'll stick with the Styrofoam, thank you very much.
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Jed you are a Retard. Yeah i said the "R" Word...
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We live in a country founded on personal responsibility and hard work, and people are upset about cleaning one container? Come on; we have staff on campus to mow the lawns, clean bathrooms, make our food, wash our dishes...it's not like we are using tons of personal time on housework.
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They should completely replace the styrofoam containers with reusable ones. Just give us a container when we get food, and then have us return it to be washed. The containers can be tracked on our accounts so people will be charged for not returning them. The waste from the current styrofoam containers is ridiculous- especially when people get to-go boxes and eat at the dining hall.
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