Suggestions for Sustainable Dining: A Guide
This guide pulls together suggestions and tips to enjoy sustainable dining at Emerson and beyond.
Enjoy plant-based options
Why this matters: Livestock accounts for up to 17% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
- Keep an eye out for the Root and Stalk station and enjoy the delicious plant-based options all throughout the Dining Center.
- Want to plan your plant-based meal ahead of time? Use the vegan and vegetarian filters on the Bon Appétit online menu.
- Eating off campus or ordering catering? Check out vegan catering suggestions.
Prevent food waste
Why this matters: The U.S. wastes more than one third of its food supply, wasting food and resources it takes to bring food to your plate.
- Don’t let your eyes get bigger than your stomach: take only what you are sure you can eat in the Dining Center. You can always go back for more!
- Join the #FreeFood Slack channel to give away or find leftovers on campus and reduce food waste!
- Keep learning! Each month, Emerson Sustainability weighs the waste generated during a dinner period in the Dining Center to raise awareness about food waste and track our progress over time. During Weigh the Waste events, you can read materials to learn more about food waste and ask members of the teams any questions you have! Our progress each month is displayed on the mural in Center Stage.
Enjoy local options
Why this matters: By committing to buying from small and local farms, Bon Appétit improves the taste and nutritional value of food, all while supporting local farm families.
- Take advantage of the bounty of local produce. Check out the Farm-to-Fork poster by the water cooler downstairs to see what local partners Bon Appétit collaborates with!
Avoid single-use items
Why this matters: Reusables reduce the need to harvest new materials, the energy and resources needed to make new products, and the amount of waste in the trash.
- In a hurry? Check out and Ozzi To-Go containers to take your food on the run — sustainably! Learn more about the quick and easy process for checking out containers.
- Use provided china for your beverages and snacks when staying in the Dining Hall for your meal.
Divert waste from the trash
Why this matters: Trash incinerators produce environmental and health hazards such as ash residue, waste water, and air emissions.
- Compost any food waste you have at any of our conveniently located compost bins around the Dining Center. Napkins, wooden stirrers, and compostable cups can go in the compost bin as well!
- Read the compost, recycling, and trash signs carefully to make sure you are sorting properly.
Questions about Sustainability at Emerson?
Visit the Bon Appétit and Emerson Sustainability websites to learn more about dining sustainability initiatives on campus.