Reusable takeout containers are one more step toward a more sustainable ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ
From electric Buff Buses to eliminating single-use plastics from campus beverage services, ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ continues to make changes to reduce waste and environmental impact. This fall, reusable takeout containers at select campus dining locations are one more step in that effort.Ìý
What students have said about campus sustainabilityÌý
While the survey did not ask students about reusable takeout containers specifically, ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ's 2023 Sustainability Survey showed broad support for campus sustainability efforts. Nine in 10 participants said it was important for ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ to have a strong public commitment to climate and the environment.Ìý
When asked for ideas to improve sustainability at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ, about one in four students suggested reducing waste through efforts such as phasing out single-use products and reducing food waste.Ìý
Why reusable containers?Ìý
Single-use takeout containers require new materials for every meal to go, even when those containers can be composted. Reusable containers can reduce the amount of material ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ purchases and throws away while supporting broader campus sustainability and climate goals.Ìý
The idea for a reusable takeout container program at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ was supported with funding from the CUSG Environmental Board. The program was then developed and implemented in partnership with Campus Dining & HospitalityÌýand the Environmental Center. ÌýÌý
The shift is also part of broader efforts to reduce dining waste. With USEFULL, ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ has been able to bring back food-scrap composting in select dining areas, helping divert more waste from the landfill.Ìý
How USEFULL worksÌý
The switch to reusable takeout containers means there are a few new steps when getting food to go from Alferd Packer Grill and the SEEC Cafe. To use a USEFULL container, you'll need to download the USEFULL app, create an account and add a form of payment.Ìý
There is no cost to borrow a container when you return it within three days. Your payment method is only charged if a container isn't returned within that time.Ìý
Learn how USEFULL works and what to know before your next visit.Ìý