GC Dining Goes Green
Published: April 13, 2021
Food service waste is the single largest contributor to our landfill system. That means we have both a tremendous opportunity, as well as a tremendous responsibility to make a positive change. Greenville College students have engaged in an effort to reduce the environmental impact of the GC Dining Commons, while improving the dining experience for students and administration alike.
The beginning of this school year, fall 2009, saw the development of a new student organization known as the Student Dining Committee. The group serves as an intermediary between GC students, administration, and Sodexo (the College's food service). This year, the group secured several new amenities to improve the dining experience; rice cookers, a new ice machine, a new grill/hood, as well as several new selections in the Student Union. The committee also worked with the administration in an effort to provide an alternative location for students to congregate and study, and the DC is now open from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
This year they were also responsible for facilitating a Sodexo evaluation. The Illinois Board of Health arranged surprise audits for the GC Dining Commons and Student Union twice this year-on both of which they received high marks for sanitation! With an overall score of 99% out 100%, they also scored green on Financial Audits, received a score of 95% on the Safety Audit from National Sanitation for Food Service, and scored 96% on food and physical safety.
As they turn their focus towards next year, the Student Dining Committee is taking a green approach. Their main goal for next year is to improve the environmental responsibility of the DC, while finding solutions which will support the sustainability of the planet.
The first of many changes will arrive in the form of a new coffee program offered by Sodexo, labeled Aspretto. Aspretto recognizes their impact on the environment and is dedicated to reducing both the amount of materials they use, as well as the energy and emissions generated to transport and operate them. The program has over ten separate initiatives designed to govern their commitment to this goal, a few of which include: using 100% recycled paper and vegetable or soy based inks, implementing the use of recycled metal within their staging materials, and the employment of re-usable cups in several locations.
A second change will result from a modification to the current tray system offered within the Dining Commons. The DC wastes approximately 200 gallons of water per every 1,000 meals served in order to wash the trays utilized by patrons. Detergents, solid waste and grease also negatively impact our local community's water supply. In an effort to save both money and energy, trays will only be available upon request from the cashier.
For the third change, the committee needs your help. Each year Sodexo has to purchase over 700 cups for Greenville College alone, due to their misuse, misplacement, and disposal. Imagine the difference you can make by being aware of this problem, and making an effort to care for the College resources. The student dining committee is initiating a "Save the Cups and Bent Silverware Movement!" Be part of the change, and help Greenville College preserve the environment.
One of the final changes to be implemented next year is the inclusion of vegetarian options. Sodexo is excited to have the opportunity to offer a vegetarian line in the DC next year. The Student Dining Committee has several other plans for the future, which include the introduction of a water filtration system, a new ice machine for the Union, as well as an outdoor grill.
The Student Dining Committee is excited to offer these new features to their fellow students and administration. It is their hope that you will join them in their effort to preserve our planet.
