This fall, M Dining is taking additional steps to provide both a safe environment for diners and a safe workplace for its employees in light of the pandemic. And a long-running sustainability initiative is a key part of the safety effort. In addition to face covering requirements at the University, increased sanitation and safety processes, and more, M Dining will expand the use of reusable to-go containers at dining facilities across campus this fall. Each student with a meal plan will be provided a reusable to-go container, reusable cutlery set, and reusable hot/cold beverage tumbler. At each meal, students exchange their dirty reusable dining items for a clean set. The dirty reusables are washed and sanitized in the dining hall’s commercial dishwashers and are then ready for another use! Although the dining halls will have some seating available at reduced capacity, the reusable to-go containers enable diners to take their meals to go and eat outside the dining hall while practicing physical distancing. Not only do these reusable to-go containers minimize waste from single-use containers and products and help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, they are also microwave-safe, so it’s easy to enjoy a hot meal on the go! The use of reusable containers allows diners to participate in sustainable practices while minimizing waste and social distancing to keep our campus population healthy.
Learn more about M Dining’s Fall 2020 Opening Plan and the steps being taken to ensure safety while continuing the commitment to sustainable practices.
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities' new Climate Action Plan (CAP) looks toward the future of sustainability on campus. The U of M has already cut its greenhouse gas emissions by more than 51%, No. 2 in the Big Ten for carbon cuts.
Learn more about how the U of M is creating a sustainable campus and future!
A new sustainability club on the Twin Cities campus, UMN Seedlings, collaborated with M Food Co. to put on a sustainable lunch event this past April. Using HowGood, a food sustainability database, UMN Seedlings were able to create an environmentally friendly meal plan aimed to raise environmental awareness in the campus community. Learn more
by Ella Chilson
University of Minnesota undergraduate and graduate student individuals and groups recently received Systemwide Sustainability Student Impact Awards during April’s Sustainability Symposium for their efforts leading the way toward a future in which people and the environment prosper together. Learn more
For the second year in a row, the University of Minnesota (U of M) participated in the Times Higher Ed Impact Rankings (THE Impact Rankings), which in 2023 ranked submissions for 1,591 institutions from 112 countries/regions. The U of M ranked eighth in the U.S. for the overall ranking and in the 101-200 range worldwide.
The U of M is a founding member of the Minnesota Cleantech Consortium, announced today at the Minnesota Cleantech Innovation Day. Learn more
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities has earned a STARS® Gold rating in recognition of its sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS®) measures and encourages sustainability in all aspects of higher education. Learn more
University of Minnesota Twin Cities Climate Action Plan will be presented as part of the MPact 2025 Sustainability update to the Board of Regents on Thursday, May 11th during the Board's Finance and Operations Committee meeting! Show your support for the Climate Action Plan! Learn more:
If you are anything like me, Molly Vagle, and love to buy a bunch of fresh produce and vegetables to have on hand in your home for meals or snacks- then you know the struggle of trying to use all your produce before it goes bad. Food waste is a big environmental issue that has implications on the planet and greenhouse gas emissions. Storing vegetables correctly is the first step in making sure the produce is good for use and does not end up in the trash! Learn more:
It’s just about move-out time! Need to move or downsize and don't know what to do with your stuff? Donate items to the Pack and Give Back program! Store your stuff with the Student Summer Storage program! Learn more:
Apply today for the Student Sustainability Communications Assistant position! Learn more