
The Greener, the Better
Living on a college campus and eating at dining halls means that you’re likely grabbing food in plastic containers, using plastic utensils, and in doing so, contributing to our overall carbon footprint. However, Dartmouth has made several steps to make it easier for students to be eco-friendly. The initiatives have also promoted thinking more consciously about the impact we have on the environment.
- No. 1
Green 2 Go
Green 2 Go is a program that reduces the amount of take-out containers used by students. To start, students can pay $4 for a carabiner that can then be exchanged for a “to go” plastic container when they want to take food out of the Class of ’53 Commons, and now the dining hall at the Hopkins Center for the Arts as well. After using the plastic container, it can be dropped off at a variety of locations all around campus and students will receive the carabiner once again. And repeat! I think this is an ingenious idea, and it’s actually been very convenient. During my freshman fall, I was on the meal plan that includes 20 swipes to the Class of ’53 Commons so I took advantage by using the “to go” option when I had somewhere else to be. In the spring, it was also nice to have the option to take the food outside and sit on the Green.
- No. 2
Bring Your Own Bottle
King Arthur Flour is a café in the Baker-Berry library, and it’s a popular spot for coffee fanatics and dependents. If you bring your own mug, you receive a 25-cent discount, and every eighth person in line with their own mug gets their drink for free! One of my friends has already gotten three free drinks this term as a result. Since my sister just gave me a mug small enough for KAF drinks, I’m going to start using that instead of their disposable cups.
- No. 3
Reusable Utensils
At the end of last year, when students may have extra DBA (dining dollars), there was an option to donate a certain amount of money towards a fund that would buy the incoming class reusable sporks. My House Community, North Park, was even giving out a few customized sporks during their spirit week. Instead of constantly taking plastic utensils for every meal, you can simply whip out your handy three-in-one spork! In addition to the sporks at Collis Center, which can be bought with DBA, there are also reusable straws because plastic straws (which used to be in each Collis smoothie) were phased out last year.