Through its partnership with Student Auxiliary Services, Lehigh Dining announced that meal plan participants are now automatically enrolled in the reusable Eco Container Program! Though this program has been in place for many years, students will no longer need to sign up for it. The new process, which is outlined below, improves the experience for students and supports the University's sustainability goals by diverting a substantial amount of waste from landfills.
The Process:
-
Meal plan participants receive two Eco Containers from a cashier at Rathbone, or Brodhead.
-
A sticker is placed on the back of their University ID card, designating their participation in the program.
-
After enjoying their meal, students exchange their containers at any of the all-you-care-to-eat restaurants for clean containers.
-
If a student forgets their Eco Containers, Lehigh Dining will provide disposable containers until the reusable containers are returned. We highly encourage students to remember their Eco Containers to reduce waste!
-
All eco containers must be returned in good condition by the end of the semester, or students may be subject to a $10 fee per container.
Additionally, the expansion of the Eco Container Program will be submitted as a case study to Campus Race to Zero Waste (formerly RecycleMania). Lehigh can share this progress as many higher education institutions have struggled to continue implementing reusable container and dishware programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Together, we can make a difference. Remember your Eco Container every time you get food!