The cafeteria is trayless, reducing food waste.

The cafeteria is trayless, reducing food waste.

Sustainability at Carthage

Dining Services

Approximately 35 gallons per week of campus cooking oil is recycled for biodiesel use.

  • All cooking oil used on campus is converted into biodiesel. Approximately 35 gallons of campus cooking oil is recycled each week for biodiesel use.

  • There are no trays in the cafeteria, which reduces food waste (students don't take as much) and water use. Because there are no trays to be washed, trayless dining saves approximately 280 gallons of water per day.

  • Plates, cups and silverware are returned and washed, not disposable.

  • When disposable eating utensils are offered, they are Spudware, not plastic. Spudware cutlery — 80 percent crop-based and 20 percent natural fibers — looks and feels like plastic but will biodegrade in 180 days.

  • Green Seal Apex chemicals are used for dish-washing.

  • Locally grown produce and organic products are incorporated into the menu.

  • Fair trade and organic coffee is served.

  • Cardboard, cans, paper products and plastic are recycled.

  • Unused food is donated to a local charity three days per week.

Trayless dining saves approximately 280 gallons of water per day.

Learn more.