Recycling 
We recycle the following products on campus: cardboard, aluminum cans, metal cans, all paper, and plastic bottles (#1 & #2). We use recyclable containers for 90% of all to-go products on campus. 

Composting 
Food waste in landfills creates methane, a greenhouse gas which is 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Our first priority is to reduce food waste. We compost any unavoidable food waste from our kitchens, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions and can also be used to amend the soil, thereby increasing drought tolerance, improving soil structure and health and reducing the need for water and fertilizers. The local composting company, The Composting Network, aids us in accomplishing this goal by picking up food waste weekly from The Dining Room at Malkin Sacks Commons. The food waste collected is pre-consumer waste.  

Trayless Dining 
There are no dining trays used on campus. Customers without trays typically waste less food and beverages. Trayless dining also reduces the need for water, detergents and energy needed to wash trays. 

Xpressnap Dispensers 
Xpressnap Dispensers save energy and waste. The napkins are made of 100% recycled paper and the dispenser will encourage customers to take (and waste) fewer napkins. 

APEX Dishwashing System 
APEX combines technology and products designed to save water and energy, minimize the impact of products on the environment, and measure results. The APEX management approach uses a tablet PC and wireless technology to communicate with the system’s controller to download, process and analyze data to establish each foodservice operation’s “rack-to-guest ratio.” By monitoring and improving this ratio, the system helps reduce the amount of water and energy used at each facility and improve total operational efficiency. 

Bulk Condiments 
Individual packets of condiments are useful in some instances, but they result in extra waste. If you are dining on site, or you are able to add the sauce to your item before you leave, please use the bulk dispensers to reduce our waste. Bulk condiment stations can be found in the LBC Food Court and the Malkin Sacks Commons. 

Recycling Fryer Oil into Biofuel 
Our fryer oil is recycled into biodiesel that is used to power a variety of vehicles like delivery fleets and farm equipment. Restaurant Technology I are responsible for collecting and distributing the Biofuel.

Recycling Fryer Oil into Biofuel
Our fryer oil is recycled into biodiesel that is used to power a variety of vehicles like delivery fleets and farm equipment. Restaurant Technology I are responsible for collecting and distributing the Biofuel.

Reusable Dishware

We offer exclusively non-disposable dishes in the Malkin Sacks Commons. This reduces waste associated with using disposable containers. 

“Green Seal” 
A majority of the chemicals Tulane Dining Services uses are “Green Seal” certified, concentrated, or sustainable. 

Daylighting 
The windows in our dining room allow us to enjoy a tremendous amount of natural light while dining. Natural light not only provides a more comfortable environment, it also reduces our energy usage by allowing us to turn off lights. 

On/Off Protocol 
To save energy, we only turn our equipment on when it is being utilized. 

Energy Star Appliances 
ENERGY STAR is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) voluntary program that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect our climate through superior energy efficiency. When replacing equipment, we choose Energy Star-rated appliances. 

Energy Efficient Lighting 
Where feasible, we have replaced our incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs to reduce our energy consumption. 

No Idling at Loading Docks 
Tulane Dining Services works with our vendors, our catering staff, and our campus facilities services staff to make sure all vehicles are turned off while they are parked in our loading dock.

Farmers Markets 
Our Farmers Markets make affordable and locally-sourced fruits and vegetables attainable without leaving campus. We work closely with our suppliers to feature locally grown products at all of our Farmers Markets. Click here for more info 

Local Suppliers 
We work closely with local produce distributors to maximize the fruits and vegetables purchased from local farms. We purchase from local dairies and participate in farm to school initiatives. Tracking local purchases helps us to meet our Better Tomorrow Plan commitment of 20% local purchases by 2020. 90% of our resident dining food is created from scratch, in-house, daily from locally-purchased produce. 

Fresh produce served across campus comes directly from local farmers including, 

• Luizza Produce, Amite City, LA
• Baglio Farmers, Independence, LA
• Southmill, New Orleans, LA
• City Greens, New Orleans, LA
• N & W Farms, Vardaman, MS
• Eubans Produce, Lucedale, MS
• Courtney Farms, Lucedale, MS
• Stinger Honey, Gulfport, MS

Sustainably Sourced Seafood  

We are committed to serving sustainable seafood and fish. Since 2015, the Marine Stewardship Council or the Best Aquaculture Practices has sustainably certified 100% of our fish and seafood. We do not purchase any at-risk species. All seafood served across campus is sustainably sourced with a focus on supporting seasonal Louisiana Seafood.