Green to-go

They're in our bathroom stalls, residence halls and classrooms: signs reminding us to flush the toilet this way or that, recycle, use double-sided e-Print and not wash our hands.

But despite these green efforts, there remains one glaring anomaly at Duke: wasted to-go containers.

Every day students, faculty and others who sit and eat at campus eateries needlessly trash thousands of pounds of utensils and to-go containers. Duke Dining can and should do more to mitigate this environmental abuse. And as students, so should we.

Our first idea, to incentivize the use of recyclable containers, unfortunately fell flat. If washed improperly, recyclable Tupperware containers create the potential for serious health hazards.

So here's another idea: environmentally friendly to-go containers. A biodegradable alternative to plastic and Styrofoam containers would go a long way to lessening the harmful effects of Duke's waste. These eco-friendly products exist-and they're used at schools around the country. To make these more expensive containers available, diners would be charged a small fee when eating on the run (we're talking pocket change). Those who kick back, pull up a seat and dine-in wouldn't pay a cent more than they do now.

This is just one idea and we're sure there are others. So don't be shy. Whether you love the idea or hate it, send your feedback to sustainabledining@gmail.com. We don't want to implement these changes if you're not behind us.

Lauren Moxley

Senator, DSG student affairs committee

Mike Lefevre

Vice president of athletics & campus services, DSG

Trinity '11