Sustainability at Elon Dining

Ecotainer Now 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.

Aluminum Water Bottles- Reduces Dining Waste (almost 200,000 water bottles were used with the meal plans last year). The Water Bottles are for all students to use with any meal plan combo.

Sustainable Uniforms- Acorn, Lighthouse, and Brown & Co. 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

What is Sustainable?
Ecological Preservation

Why is Sustainability important?

What are the benefits?

What is Dining Services doing for Sustainability?

CAMPUS DINING NOW USING RECYCLABLE 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.

CAMPUS DINING USING GREENWARE
GREENWARE is made from all natural corn based material, is 100% compostable and made from United States grown corn.

CAMPUS DINING USING 100% RECYCLED PAPER!
Campus Dining is using new Starbucks paper hot cups!  These cups feature 10% post consumer fiber, an innovative and food safe material developed with Starbucks paper supplier.  The cup meets 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!

Colonnades Dining Hall Focuses on Sustainability

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.

MATERIALS AND RESOURCES:

The following materials are made of recyclable material in whole or part:

• Gypsum board (100% recycled material)
• Ceiling tile (50% recycled material)
• Insulation (35% recycled material)
• Steel (30% recycled material)

INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY:

• The air conditioning system brings in the outdoor air to provide continuous fresh air.
• During construction, the air conditioning equipment is protected to prevent contamination.
• To provide a healthier indoor environment, the paints selected for this building do not contain compounds such as (VOC’s).
• The flooring and flooring adhesives do not contain chemicals that harm the environment.
• The building will be cleaned with environmental compliant products.
• Individuals can control their work environment condition including light and temperature.
• Operable windows allow users to access fresh air.
• Natural light and views to the exterior are provided in the offices.
• Mechanical equipment in the attic isolates noise away from the building occupants.

SITE STEWARDSHIP:

• The landscape design includes sidewalks that connect to existing pedestrian pathways.
• Storm water is collected before it leaves the site to protect the surrounding natural systems.
• This site is selected to minimize the impact on natural resources.
• Best Management Practices are incorporate into the site to limit surface erosion.
• Bike racks will be provided to promote alternative means of transportation.
• This building is sited along the university’s bus line to reduce the use of single occupancy vehicles.
• The number of parking spaces is limited to zoning requirements to save the surrounding natural systems.
• As a multistory building, the project minimizes the amount of green space needed for construction.
• The flat roof is white and will reflect heat away from the building.
• The building, colonnade, and landscaping will shade the site and reduce the heat gain.
• Site lighting fixtures point downward to eliminate light pollution.
  

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.

Recyclable Napkins
Dining Services is now switching to recyclable napkins in all locations on campus.

Plastic & Cans:
Dining Services recycles plastic and cans on a daily basis. 

Cardboard:

Dining Services recycles cardboard from all dining locations across campus.

Used Fryer Oil:

Dining Services recycles used fryer oil from dining locations.  Eco-Logic picks up the used oil from campus to be used as Biodiesel fuel. 

Currently, we are investigating another company, FiltaFry, to determine if there are added benefits of switching to their service.  The company uses their recycled oil for biodiesel fuel and may be able to prolong the life of the fryer oil.

Composting:

Elon Dining has implemented a composting system for all dining halls. All food waste is sent to outside companies for the composting process.

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.

Technology:

Food management software ensures that Dining Services forecasts accurately to match food production to consumption.

China, Flatware and Glasses:

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

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