Green Thread at University of Maine at Fort Kent

 ENERGY & WATER CONSERVATION

• We have eliminated trays in the dining hall to reduce the amount of energy and water used, and minimize food waste and pollutants in the environment.

 WASTE MANAGEMENT

• In giving back to the community, we have implemented a recycling program for our catering business as well as in our retail locations. Collected cans and bottles are returned to the Environmental Studies Club for redemption as a community project and fund raiser. 

• In partnership with the Environmental Studies Club on campus, we are working on a pilot program where organic waste and compostable materials are separated and reused.


SUSTAINABLE FOOD

 • In support of local farms and farmers, we are happy to serve McCain Potato Products purchased from McCain located in Easton, ME.  We are happy to serve Hood Dairy Products, Gifford's Ice Cream, and New England Coffee.  These companies use local farms located within the state of Maine and New England.

 RESPONSIBLE PROCUREMENT

• We are converting all of our cleaning supplies to the Eco-Friendly line from EcoLab™. This product is less toxic to the environment and the packaging is smaller and recyclable.

• We use SCA brand 100% recycled napkins in all locations. When introduced these dispensers reduced napkin usage and related waste by 40%!
                          
                                                             

You can help To Help Conserve Energy for Tomorrow

 ·       Shut off lights when leaving a room

·       Closing windows if heat or air conditioning is running

·       Take stairs instead of elevators

·       Consumption of water can be reduced by changing out aerators on sink fixtures


                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                

When it comes to Transportation

·       Making a commitment to phase in the purchase flex fuel vehicles

·     Designate parking spaces for carpool and hybrid vehicles

 

Did You Know?

ARAMARK Higher Education Dining has announced the selection of  McCain Foods, USA Inc. as the exclusive supplier of potato products to be served in dining venues of  the University of Maine campuses at USM, Farmington, Machias, Presque Isle, and Fort Kent.  As part of the "Buy Maine" initiative, we will only be purchasing McCain products grown and produced in Maine.  The selection of  McCain Foods, USA Inc. by ARAMARK will have a positive annual impact on businesses processing local potatoes for McCain, which operates a plant in Easton, ME.

The Maine potato industry is over 240 years old and was brought to the state by the Scottish/Irish around the year 1750.

Maine seed potatoes have earned the reputation as a 'healthy producer.'  Potato farmers throughout the Eastern US know they can depend on exceptional yields.

Cull potato piles are not allowed between June 10th and October 1st of any year.


Compostable Packaging

As much as 50% fewer fossil resources are needed for PLA manufacturing compared to petroleum based plastics.

In a nutshell, field corn is harvested and broken down into its various food and feed components, one of which is corn sugar, or dextrose.  The dextrose is fermented and distilled into a substance called lactic acid.  The lactic acid is transformed into polylactide(PLA), which in turn can be formed into packaging containers.  The containers can break down into compost, which can be used to grow more corn.

Your food comes from nature.
               Now, so does the package.

For more information on compostable packaging, use the link below.
http://www.natureworksllc.com/