Sustainability runs through everything we do at BU and is firmly embedded throughout our new strategic plan聽.
We鈥檙e really proud of what鈥檚 been achieved in terms of our sustainable actions over the last year, including the steps we鈥檝e taken to reduce the use of single use plastics.
Our in-house caterers, Chartwells, have been integral to this and have put the following actions in place to decrease the amount of plastic used throughout the university:
- Plastic straws have been removed from all cafes and replaced with high quality paper ones
- Takeaway plastic single use salad boxes have been replaced with fully biodegradable and compostable boxes made from board sourced from sustainable and renewable plantations
- China bowls are now available for customers eating from the salad bar as a dine-in option
- Single use sauce sachets are being removed and replaced with pump dispensers
- A plastic-free shelf has been introduced into all drinks chillers, so drinks are sold either in glass bottles or a non-plastic format
- Plastic takeaway cutlery has been聽replaced with wooden versions.
In addition to Chartwells鈥� steps to reduce single use plastics, they have also shown ongoing commitment to BU鈥檚 wider sustainability vision:
- This autumn, they鈥檒l be reaccredited by the for the Food for Life. This means that the food served on campus is traceable, freshly prepared and locally sourced where possible.
- Chartwells catering outlets now use as the choice of water brand and a portion of the cost of a bottle goes towards water and sanitation programmes in developing countries. To date, the brand has raised nearly 拢17.5 million for sustainable water projects, providing safe water to over 3.3聽million people in the world鈥檚 poorest communities.
- Chartwells have started to regularly donate leftover food to local night shelters in order to make sure that as much of our unsold food as possible Is given to those who really need it, instead of it ending up as waste.
- Back by popular demand, they will be offering free, used coffee grounds for people to take home and use as fertiliser in their gardens. Available on Talbot Campus from聽The Atrium, and available on聽Lansdowne Campus from Bournemouth House, Studland House, and the EBC.
- Promoting the range of products sold in the catering outlets and SUBU shop on campus.
To find out the latest updates from Chartwells including news on their latest promotions, pop-ups and competitions, please follow them on Twitter .
Learn more about sustainability at BU 鈥� and how we鈥檙e delivering the UN Sustainable Development Goals聽.
