Carleton University Says No Thanks to Straws
Carleton University has launched the Say No Thanks to Straws campaign, eliminating plastic straws from its non-franchised food areas on campus. Paper straws will be available on request.
This campaign dovetails with other award-winning university initiatives to reduce waste, including the redesign of recycling stations in prominent areas.
“We all struggle with the issues associated with waste, individually and institutionally,” said Sandra Nelson, director of Strategic Procurement. “Our solutions bring together ideas from other institutions that struggle to improve diversion rates, combined with a strong commitment and deep understanding of our particular campus. With the help of our partners and the Carleton community, we are very proud to say that we are making a difference.”
Earlier in 2018, Carleton achieved zero-waste in its food court, confirmed by a MASS Environmental Services audit. Reaching zero waste and the Say No Thanks to Straws program support wider waste and recycling programs on campus, including expanded e-waste collections, and compost bins in residence halls.
“We are proud to partner with an institution who values environmental stewardship and has such a holistic view and wide scope of sustainability programming,” said Gabriella Carrier, sustainability manager for Aramark in Dining Services.
Waste and recycling is one element of Carleton’s overall sustainability strategy, which includes initiatives around energy savings and water consumption and sustainable green buildings. The university earned the Gold Award in the category of Waste Management from the National Association of College and University Food Services (NACUFS) this year.
The NACUFS awards recognize institutions that demonstrate outstanding leadership promoting and implementing environmental sustainability, specifically as it relates to campus dining operations. The category of Waste Management recognizes university efforts to minimize waste sent to landfills and waste water systems by diverting biodegradable waste to composting or other landfill-deferred systems, whenever possible, and by maximizing recycling efforts.
While the elimination of plastic straws may seem like a small act, it is yet another initiative that shows Carleton cares for the community, the environment, and the future.
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