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GSB Waste Reduction Project

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The Issue

In Arbuckle Dining at the GSB, the vast majority of customers used compostable takeout boxes even when dining in, resulting in large amounts of avoidable waste. With dining halls having eliminated single-use containers and Stanford striving to be zero waste by 2030, we figured it was time for the GSB to reduce its own footprint.

Consumption Put Into Perspective

Last year, the consumption rates for to-go containers were so high that it only took two days for them to stack to the height of Hoover Tower. For more perspective, the use and disposal of these single-use containers could encircle the entire GSB perimeter in less than half a week!

Life Cycle Analysis

Graph of LCA

Even if recycled or composted, these items have emissions associated with their production and frequently never make it to their intended waste destinations. A study comparing compostable clamshells and reusable clamshells reveals just how much detriment single-use foodware can have on the environment. 360 single-use (compostable) containers had a carbon dioxide footprint of 85.5 kg, while a reusable version that was used 360 times only led to the emission of 1.27 kg. (from "A Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Compostable and Reusable Takeout Clamshells at the University of California, Berkeley" by Harnoto, Monica. 2013)

The Solution

All About No Waste joined forces with Arbuckle Dining and GSB Facilities & Hospitalities to establish the cafe's tables as plate-only designated zones in the following ways:

  • We included various signage on the tables and at the counters to assert this new norm, as well as educational material to justify it.
  • We trained the staff to set plates as the default and only provide a to-go box upon request.
  • We strategically positioned the reusable versions of plates, bowls, and cutlery in a way that behaviorally nudged consumers towards those options.
  • We introduced a discount to soft drinks and coffee when using reusable mugs and cups.

The results from this campaign have been incredibly encouraging; there are hardly any to-go boxes in sight!