Campus & Community

Single-Use Plastic Reduction Plan Released

Wednesday, May 15, 2024, By Lydia Krayenhagen

In conjunction with the recently updated Climate Action Plan, the University has announced its accompanying . As one of the sustainability-related goals committed to by the University, in partnership with the Student Association, the plan outlines how the University will work to drastically reduce the use of single-use plastics by the 2027-28 academic year, including the following:

  • Quantify the types of single-use plastics used on campus and identify technically feasible replacements or elimination of single-use items.
  • Collaborate with vendors to include language in vendor/franchise agreements to eliminate single-use plastics in vending and food service agreements.
  • Expand compost capabilities to ensure alternative products can be disposed of properly.
  • Educate campus constituents on proper disposal and communicate progress on the website.

The plan touches on areas where progress has already been made and lays out future initiatives. It also includes a timeline of each plastic category and when it will be phased out or reduced.

An important aspect of the plan involves raising awareness around the effort to reduce plastics and promoting responsible plastic use and disposal methods.

“Empowering our campus community with knowledge is key to fostering a culture of sustainability,” says Melissa Cadwell, sustainability coordinator. “Through our peer-to-peer educators, we’re excited to introduce the Plastic Reduction Plan, a vital initiative in our ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship.”

Student peer-to-peer educators have already had the chance to contribute to this project. Over the next several years, the goal is to expand education and outreach to all campus constituencies.

Cadwell issues a charge to the campus community: “Together, let’s champion sustainable practices, reduce plastic waste and safeguard our planet for generations to come.”

The plan can be viewed in full on the Sustainability Management . In the coming months, the website will also be updated to include a dashboard showing progress toward the goals outlined in the plan.