To support the Waste Free Ontario Act, the University of Guelph’s Hospitality Services has introduced three new sustainability initiatives in their University Centre food court.
“We believe everyone should have access to ethical waste disposal,” says Natalie Vasilivetsky, Environmental Sustainability Co-ordinator. “This is an important way for U of G to show its commitment to international environmental goals.”
The Act requires broader public sector institutions, like universities, to divert waste from landfill systems into compostable waste streams.
The U of G has shared on their website here that the UC Food Court is cutting waste from single-use plates and cutlery, with three choices:
- Reduce: choose china plates, beverage tumblers and stainless cutlery when dining in the UC, with used dishes dropped off at one of two sorting stations that are now available
- Reuse: join a $5 “green container” program and have access to reusable containers and cutlery for your whole time at U of G
- Rethink: compostable takeout containers and cutlery are available for $1
To help reduce food waste, there is also a new ‘self-serve weigh and pay’ option so students can match their level of hunger to their portion size. Smaller side dishes are also available in recyclable containers.
Bravo to U of G for embracing these waste reduction efforts!