College campuses are at the forefront of sustainability efforts, focusing on improving dining practices to reduce waste. Sustainability groups, both university-sponsored and student-led, are collaborating with campus dining services to eliminate single-use packaging. Takeout dining has surged in popularity, creating a significant amount of waste on campuses. To address this issue, campuses are implementing reusable takeout programs, where students can check out containers like library books and return them after use. This reduces waste, encourages sustainability, and eliminates harmful plastics from the waste stream.
Studies have shown that single-use plastic containers shed microplastics into food, posing health risks. To combat this, education and awareness campaigns are essential to inform students of the benefits of eliminating single-use plastics. Many campuses are integrating reusable checkout systems with student ID providers to track containers and provide data on environmental impact. This data motivates students to adopt sustainable practices and helps campuses meet their sustainability goals.
By implementing reusable takeout programs, colleges and universities set a powerful example for other institutions and communities. These initiatives promote a culture of sustainability that students can carry into their future endeavors. Identifying the need for reusables on campus, understanding the current dining landscape, engaging stakeholders, and securing funding are important steps in advocating for a reuse program. By eliminating plastics from college dining, campuses can significantly reduce their environmental footprint and prepare students to be responsible sustainability practitioners.
