Reusable Containers

Eliminating disposable containers has been a main focus to help reduce waste generated by dining services.  Chartwells has responded to the challenge of finding more sustainable alternatives to disposable containers with Project Green Thumb and will continue to work on expanding these programs and explore new ways to replace disposables with reusables.  These two programs have combined to conserve approximately 9000 disposable cups during the 2008-2009 school year, which is about 18 cases of cups kept out of landfills!

Cold Beverages

• A BPA-free plastic bottle is available for purchase at Chartwells locations with fountain drinks on campus.  The cost is $2.99 and the retail price is not marked up by Chartwells. 

• Over 600 bottles were sold during the Spring 2009 kick-off semester and Chartwells provided 3700 of these bottles to Residence Hall students at the beginning of the 2009-2010 school year.  Currently, Chartwells records thousands of uses per week in dining locations.

• It can be used at any dining location with fountain beverages and features a discounted retail refill price ($1.04) compared to the cost of a disposable cup ($1.45).  It is also compatible with student Meal Plans.

• In response to student requests, Chartwells also eliminated the Styrofoam cup in favor of a more environmentally friendly disposable alternative.

Hot Beverages

• Corn plastic mug available for purchase at Beans for coffee drinks and tea.

• Brewed coffee can be sold in ANY reusable mug at a discounted price ($1.02).  Over 7000 refills were recorded during the 2008-2009 school year.