Dining Services and the Office of Sustainability are putting focus on programs that enable and encourage low-impact dining. These efforts include reusable to-go containers (ReusePass) and the distribution of free utensil sets to new students, among others.

Zero Waste Dining

Zero Waste Dining Poster

Review this poster to get a sense of all the ways you can reduce and minimize your dining waste.

You can even download this poster, print it, and display it on campus or in your residence to educate your peers!

Reusables To Go with ReusePass

Request a ReusePass box in-person or on Grubhub when ordering food at Bears Den, DUC, or the Village. Make sure to return your box to a dish return or return receptacle within 3 days.

Reusable Utensil Sets

Make sure to carry your own utensils wherever you go to prevent the use of single-use plastic ones. These reusable travel utensil sets, made from rapidly renewable and compostable bamboo, are available for sale on our website ($8 apiece).

Residential Composting Program

Students living on the South 40 can request and receive their own 5-gallon bucket to compost food scraps and paper to-go boxes directly from their room or suite.

Waste Sorting FAQ

All you need to know about the most common waste items on campus is in this FAQ. You’ll learn how to dispose of each item and why. The FAQ also goes over the most common contaminants to the recycling and compost streams.

Low Carbon Food Options

Sustainable Food Guide

Check out this comprehensive and interactive guide that provides tips and resources for sustainable food choices, every step of the way. The guide includes information about grocery shopping, food labels, meal planning, cooking, and much more!

Green Monday

Plant-forward diets have a low carbon footprint and are generally better for our public and personal health. In fact, it is considered one of the top solutions to mitigate climate change. Pledge to eat vegetarian one additional day a week to reduce your impact!

Access to local food

WashU has partnered with Local Farmer CSA to provide a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program to the WashU community. Sign-up as a CSA member to receive a weekly or bi-weekly crop box filled with locally grown produce, meat, cheeses, and/or other artisan goods.

Connect & Learn More

Sustainable Living Series

The Sustainable Living Series aired in fall 2020. It provides simple and accessible tips to increase sustainability in our daily lives, particularly within the WashU context. Themes include waste, food, energy, transportation, and a campus sustainability tour.

Guide for New Students

Becoming a part of WashU means joining a community committed to addressing climate change and improving global public health. The Guide for New Students compiles tips and resources regarding energy consumption, alternative transportation, and ways to get involved.

Connect with us!

Follow us on social media @washu_sustain (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube), and subscribe to our monthly newsletter.