New compostable cups are now available in the Packard Grill food-court. Starting Aug. 1, all styrofoam products were removed from Baby Doe’s and Alferd Packer Grill. (CU Independent/Lee Pruitt)
Students eating on campus may notice something different about their cups.
Beginning Aug. 1, the UMC completely eliminated the use of Styrofoam products from Baby Doe’s and the Alferd Packer Grill, in an effort to further CU’s commitment to sustainability.
According to Assistant Director of the UMC Kristi Graham-Gitkind, the Styrofoam products were replaced with eco-friendly products that are recyclable or biodegradable for all hot beverages, soups and to-go packaging.
Graham-Gitkind said the project is predicted to divert 371,000 Styrofoam containers annually from local landfills.
Admittedly, there are some minor problems with these new eco-friendly containers: They don’t seem to be as effective as the Styrofoam containers.
“However, we continue to look for eco products that hold food temperatures and liquids better,” Graham-Gitkind said.
Kristie Hill, a cashier at the Alferd Packer Grill said that she thought that the new containers would make a difference. She hadn’t had any problems with the new containers since their debut in August.
Food from Alferd Packer in new, eco-friendly containers. (CU Independent/Lee Pruitt)
An obvious concern would be a price hike because of the new containers, which might deter some students. Junior finance major, Kate Horton said she thinks the change over is a great idea as long as the pricing isn’t affected by it.
“[Bio-degradable containers] have to be reasonable substitutes, but if Subway wasn’t using them and the Alferd Packer Grill is, then I would elect to buy from the Alfred [Packer] Grill,” Horton said.
However, the UMC might see other chains making the change over soon enough.
“Jamba Juice is currently searching for an eco product that will suit their needs with the goal of eliminating Styrofoam from their campus operation this spring semester,” Graham-Gitkind said.
Contact CUIndependent Staff Writer Maria DiManna at Maria.dimanna@colorado.edu.
