FACTS ABOUT RECYCLING

Sustainability at Elon Dining

TAKE-OUT GOES GREEN!
Have you heard? With the new Take-Out Program in our dining halls beginning fall 2010, we are using NSF certified reusable containers rather than styrofoam. These containers will be provided to all meal plan participants and can be purchased for $9.99 in retail locations. More details on this program coming soon!

What else is Elon Dining Services doing to preserve the earth?

Recycling- Dining Services recycles plastic, paper, cardboard and aluminum.

Recycled Content Paper Cups- Using Bare cups by Solo supports our recycled content paper Green Stakes and are also two ounces bigger that the previously used eco-friendly cups,providing a greater value for our customers.

Ecotainer at Freshens- uses Polylactic Acid (PLA) to create a water-resistant barrier on the paperboard.  Polylactic Acid is a biopolymer derived from lactic acid produced by the fermentation of corn sugars.  The ecotainer requires less energy to manufacture than the polyethylene coating material it replaces.  The ecotainer is certified by the Biodegradable Product Institute to comply with ASTM D6400 test requirements for compostability.

Composting- All food waste from Harden and Colonnades Dining Halls is composted. Food waste from both dining halls and the students are sent to outside composting companies. During the 2009-2010 academic year, Dining Services composted 37.52 tons of food waste.

Aluminum Water Bottles- In an effort to offer a more sustainable water option, Dining Services introduced its filtered water program in 2008. In 2009, 123,888 plastic bottles were saved from landfills thanks to your efforts with this program. Aluminum water bottles may be purchased in select retail locations on campus.

Sustainable Uniforms- Acorn and Lighthouse uniforms purchased locally by a vendor, tsdesigns, who practices sustainability (100% organic cotton, sewn in USA, no harsh resins, no plastic prints, etc.) For more information on the sustainable T-shirts visit tsdesigns.com.

Grab n' Go Salad Containers- Biodegradeable at all retail locations.

Recycled Content Materials- Grab n' go products, such as cups, straws, and napkins and office paper have post-consumer fibers and support the environment.

Divert Fryer Oil- Dining Services recycles 100% of its used fryer oil from dining locations that can be used as biodiesel fuel. In the 2009-2010 academic year, we recycled over 2000 gallons of fryer oil.

Trayless Dining- By eliminating trays in our dining halls, we are able to compost food waste and decrease water and energy consumption.

Recycled Plastic Bags- Special TDPA additive enables these bags to degrade, biodegrade in the presence of moisture, micro organisms, oxgyen and soil. TDPA (totally degradable plastic additives) is incoporated into commodity  PE, PP and PS resins to allow final plastic products to degrade when triggered by heat, UV sunlight and mechanical stress. TDPA products can be recycled in standard recycling bins.

Recycled Content Hot Cups- These cups feature 10% post consumer fiber, an innovative and food safe material.  The cups meet our quality standards and will simultaneously help the environment!  Using a 10% post-consumer fiber cup will help reduce the use of virgin tree fiber by five million pounds in one year alone, the equivalent of 75,000 trees!

Fair Trade Coffee- Fair Trade Coffee is sold at ALL retail locations on campus.  Elon Dining Services recognizes the need for social and environmental responsibility towards farm workers, our customers and our communities.  That is why we have implemented the Fair Trade Coffee program at our We Proudly Brew Starbucks locations and the Eco-Grounds program at the Java City @ KBC.  Benefits of these programs for coffee farmers mean community development, health, education, and environmental stewardship.

Bulk Dispensers- Bulk dispensers are used when practical to reduce packaging.  Products available in bulk include juices, sodas, milk, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, and most cereals.

Recyclemania and Earth Day- Dining Services participates in Recyclemania, a 10 week annual competion among colleges and universities nationwide, and supports and hosts Earth Day Events on campus to spead awareness and environmental responsibility.

Technology-Food management software ensures that Dining Services forecasts accurately to match food production to consumption. Our newest location, Topio's, set to open in fall 2010, uses electronic menu boards rather than paper menus in an effort to reduce paper consumption  and waste.

China, Flatware and Glasses- We use china, flatware and glasses in residential campus dining locations that are washed and sanitized for reuse reducing the amount of paper packaging. 

Reusable Cleaning Cloths- Sanitized reusable cleaning cloths are used to clean our locations rather than paper products.  

Buying Locally- Elon Dining Services supports local farmers and the community. We have implemented a preferential purchasing system that identifies local produce items and the area from which it originated. We place preference on food grown within our area, state and then region of the country, in that order. Conventional produce from around the world will still be available when an item is not in season locally so you can continue to enjoy all of nature’s bounty. Produce that is locally grown is harvested closest to its peak for a fresher, more flavorful nutrient-filled result. Buying local conserves energy and allows us to contribute to local farms and the economy. Look for locally grown markers to taste the best flavors our area has to offer, celebrate the season selections, and support the local efforts of our community.

Colonnades Dining Hall Focuses on Sustainability
Colonnades that has implemented the following to reduce energy consumption:

• Natural light in the offices decreases the need for artificial lighting.
• Occupancy monitors reduce the energy consumed when spaces are not in use.
• Energy efficient lighting fixtures diminish the amount of energy needed for lighting.
• The Heating and Air Conditioning system incorporates environmental controls to conserve energy.
• Appliances installed in the building comply with EPA’s Energy Star Program.
• The building’s electrical system is designed to meet or exceed the NC State Energy Code.

What is Sustainable?
Ecological Preservation
–-Waste reduction, recycling, composting
–-Conservation of soil and water resources
–-Energy and material efficiencies to minimize impact on ecosystem
–-Protection and enhancement of wildlife habitats

Why is Sustainability important?

What are the benefits?