Trayless Thursday, May 1, planned to reduce food waste

Food Service is "going green" to help minimize its carbon footprint within the university community. The Student Dining Room will go trayless from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 1.

The experiment operates on the principle that the use of trays may encourage students to take more food and not give much thought to how much they actually will eat; ultimately, much of this food ends up in the trash. Without a tray, however, students might be more particular about their meal choices.

Here are the goals of Trayless Thursday:

• Minimize waste
• Become aware of food waste
• Become aware of personal food choice
• Minimize water waste (soap and biodegradable chemicals)

Food Service will provide 16-ounce biodegradable cups. The cups are "corn plastic," which is 100 percent compostable.

Sustainability at Food Service:

• The main kitchen collects food waste for an area farmer who then turns it into feed for his animals.
• All areas provide recycling containers.
• Fair Trade coffee is served in various locations.
• One hundred percent recycled paper napkins are used in dispensers to control usage.