USF Students Are Green ‘On-The-Go’
Jul 20, 2011
posted in: Office
USF Dining has completely eliminated the use of Styrofoam take-out boxes at the on-campus dining halls in favor of environmentally friendly reusable to-go boxes.
Before the new initiative, over 200,000 Styrofoam take out containers were used and thrown away on campus during the 2009-2010 school year, since starting the program, 8,000 Styrofoam containers are now reduced per week. The cost of savings from not using the Styrofoam containers is estimated at about $23,000.
“We’re so proud of USF Dining Services for their outstanding contribution to campus sustainability—doing their part to help us achieve the President’s Climate Commitment,” said Dr. Christian Wells, Director of the Office of Sustainability.
By eliminating Styrofoam from the dining halls, USF mitigates the effect of almost 40,000 students on the local environment.
Polystyrene is the 5th largest creator of hazardous waste and contaminates in landfills that affect local wildlife and the health of the land. By introducing the reusable boxes, USF hopes to eliminate the threat to the environment and better the lives of the students at the university. This initiative furthers the sustainability efforts put forth by the USF Office of Sustainability.
The program works by offering plastic, reusable to-go container for guests who wish to take their meal to go. The containers can be purchased with a $4 refundable deposit and, upon returning, guests will be refunded the $4 deposit. “When the guest returns for their next to-go meal, they can return the used container and receive a clean one for no charge or return their container for the $4 refundable deposit,” explained Jenna Burns, Marketing Manager at USF Dining. “Guests also have the option of swap out the container for a clean one, regardless of if they purchase a meal.”
When the program began in the Fall 2010 semester, USF Dining engaged the community about the elimination of Styrofoam from the dining facilities with communications in fliers and posters, advertising their support of a sustainable campus. Orientation sessions were accompanied by a full Dining staff, who were well educated on the benefits of a healthier and greener campus.
“Next to plastic water bottles, Styrofoam is one of the worst environmental pollutants, creating tons of hazardous waste and causing a host of acute and chronic health problems,” continued Dr. Wells, “At the Office of Sustainability, we are thrilled to see Styrofoam on its way out of USF dining, and we hope that other organizations on campus will follow their lead.”
A comprehensive list of USF Dining policies can be found at here.