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.
Mental Health Awareness Month and Climate Anxiety. The month of May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Millions of Americans live with a mental illness that affects their lives in some capacity. Learn more:
Join us tomorrow 4/26 for the Coca Cola Rain Barrel event from 4-6 on the Coffman Memorial Union Front Plaza! This event will hosted by Coca Cola to transform about 30 of their syrup barrels into rain barrels! 🌧 Some barrels will be donated to the Student Organic Farm and others will be donated to Friends of the Mississippi!
The Earth Week BioBlitz is here! Use the app iNaturalist during Earth Week to collect current biodiversity observation on Minneapolis and St. Paul campuses and help improve biodiversity! Learn more:
Join us Friday May 19th, 2023 from 10-11am for a collaboration with the Office of Supplier Diversity to spotlight diverse businesses that emphasize sustainability or environmentally friendly products/services. Hear from three business owners- how they started, how it's going, and all the bumps along the road! Learn more:
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities has the HIGHEST Waste Diversion Rate in the Big Ten! Learn more:
Join us to kick off Earth Week by cleaning up our campus! Learn More:
"Illicit discharges are considered 'illicit' because MS4s are not designed to accept, process, or discharge such non-stormwater wastes." (EPA) As water runs down the street into storm drains, contaminated with illicit discharge (such as cigarette butts, trash, salt, vehicle fluids, or yard waste) from the street, it flows back down through the stormwater system and back into the river. Learn how you can help or report illicit discharge on campus.
Happy Spring! It is about that time of the year where everyone wants to clean out their house (and their mind) to prepare for the warm weather! Spring is nature's way for a new and fresh beginning. Have a sustainable spring cleaning. Learn more:
Join us on Friday April 7th, 2023 from 10-11am for a discussion on Indigenous knowledge, environmental justice issues, and the intersections of climate change, sustainability and Indigenous (specifically on American Indian and Native Pacific Islander) struggles, with Gabriela Ines Diaz (CHamoru and Pohnpeian). Learn more: