Students at Boston University (BU) have a new way to enjoy their meals and feel good about their environmental impact.
Introduced in February 2023, Choose to Reuse was designed to significantly reduce the use of single-use disposable packaging at the George Sherman Union (GSU) retail food hall on campus. The program is already getting high marks for its simplicity and sustainability.
“We have seen amazing customer and employee engagement with Choose to Reuse,” said Dan VanAvery, Director of Retail Operations for BU Dining, Aramark Collegiate Hospitality. “Our customers love the commitment to providing a viable option that leads to improving our sustainable footprint.”
With mobile ordering integration, Choose to Reuse allows diners to enjoy their meal in a reusable container or plate. They also have the option to use single-use compostable containers at a surcharge.
When placing a Choose to Reuse order in the campus ordering app, a customer is asked to consent to joining the program and is automatically signed up. The container is tracked via QR code from check-out to its return in marked collection bins within three days of use. The containers are then washed for reuse.
Diners are also encouraged to use reusable metal utensils on location to reduce disposables.
There is no upfront cost to participate, the program is entirely contactless, and customers are not limited to how many containers they can check out at a time.
Measurable Impact
Developed over two-and-a-half years with significant research and feedback, Choose to Reuse replaced an underutilized reusable container program in the GSU which became obsolete in 2020 with the introduction of mobile ordering and contactless pickup.
“We wanted to introduce a new and improved program in alignment with BU’s Zero Waste planning process,” said Lexie Raczka, Aramark Sustainability Director at BU. “Single-use packaging was identified as one of the focus areas. We are excited to provide a seamless experience for customers that doesn’t require much more effort on their part aside from bringing a container back to the GSU.”
Prior to the launch of the Choose to Reuse program, nearly 60% of orders were packaged in compostable disposable containers. In the first two months of the program, the Aramark team distributed more than 28,000 reusable to-go containers to more than 6,100 individuals—a 78 percent increase in the use of reusables, which not only created less waste but also a significant savings in paper and other costs for the university.
In addition, the team has experienced a 97% return rate with Choose to Reuse containers.
Learn more about Choose to Reuse.
