MSC Food Court Eliminates Styrofoam Containers

 

As part of the Students Union commitment to being a environmentally sustainable organization we are proud to announce that as of September 2011 the Student Centre Food Court is Styrofoam free! This wonderful feat was made possible after extensive consultation with students, food court vendors and sustainable product suppliers and the support of the student Eco Club.

 

This is a terrific step in our transformation to environmentally friendly, biodegradable and compostable alternatives. With a building that generates over one metric tonne of waste per day – that’s equivalent to the combined average weight of 12 ½ men or 15 ½ women –  we are pleased to continue to advance more sustainable practices in the Centre. Our progress on packaging joins a line-up of SU sustainable practices like our on campus beverage container recycling program and participation in the university paper and cardboard recycle program.

 

The Eco Club, the SU and its Sustainability Board have been working hard over this past year to replace Styrofoam food packaging with a more environmentally friendly alternative. Respondents to a 2010 student survey overwhelmingly preferred the use of biodegradable containers (93.4% agree) and 77% were prepared to pay an additional 25 cents on a $7.00 meal to make this happen. 

 

We would like to acknowledge the cooperation of our food court vendors in this project. Please thank them and support them. 

 

The SU Sustainability Board manages a grant fund that provides financial support under the Quality Money Program to worthwhile student generated sustainability projects and activities. So get involved and bring your ideas forward!