For more information contact:
Melissa Moore, Auxiliary Services
Contact Melissa Moore melissa.moore@aux.gatech.edu
404-894-4990
GT Dining Promotes Conservation Programs
Atlanta (March 16, 2009) — Not so many years ago people might have laughed if told that used vegetable oil could be the fuel powering planes, trains and automobiles. Today that is just one of the environmental programs that GT Dining is working to make a reality.
Take a look at some of the programs GT Dining does and is planning to do on the Georgia Tech campus to promote and protect the environment.
Cooking Oil = Biodiesel Fuel
GT Dining collects its used cooking oil from all its kitchens, including both dining halls (Woodruff and Brittain) and Jackets featuring WOW (World of Wings), filters the used oil, making it cleaner and purer and then transports it off campus to be created into biodiesel fuel.
Biodegradable Containers
Many GT Dining customers are “carry-out” customers and need containers to carry their food. This year GT Dining changed its soup cups, lids and Freshens cups to biodegradable items. If these items end up in landfills, they will naturally and easily decompose in the earth.
GT Dining is already going a step further into the biodegradable realm. Plans are to remove any remaining Styrofoam cups from all GT Dining locations by next year.
"GT Dining managers are always trying to find the most sustainable ways to maintain our facilities. We all have taken Sustainability 101 & 201
through Sodexo and are dedicated to keeping up with new information on the topic,” said Dori Martin, marketing manager, GT Dining.
Recycled Paper Napkins
Made from recycled material, GT Dining’s napkins are yet another sustainable program. Recycled napkins are in all GT Dining locations.
Cardboard Recycling
Pandinis’ customers need look no further than the top of the trash bins to recycle their cardboard boxes.
The idea with the specialized space on top of the trash bins is that students will realize that their cardboard can be recycled immediately and that it doesn’t always have to be thrown away.
Composting
GT Dining is currently working with the Office of Solid Waste Management & Recycling to bring a food composting program for both dining halls to campus fall 2009. This project would decrease waste and create fertilizer and land conditioning.
Steam Cleaning
To help reduce greenhouse gases and conserve water, GT Dining deep cleans its floors, walls and other surfaces with a steam cleaner that requires little water and no chemicals.
Organic and Locally Grown Food
Many conservation initiatives deal with consumer product recycling and better use of resources. GT Dining also implements conservation programs through the food itself. Starbucks, Seattle’s Best, Jazzman’s and Einsteins serve certified organic fair trade coffees.
Also, local food products account for 40 percent of the total dining hall food served. Student Collaborations
GT Dining listens to its customers and their ideas. It meets frequently with student groups like Students Organizing for Sustainability (SOS) and is always looking to improve its vegetarian and vegan options.
Earth Day
This year at Georgia Tech’s Earth Day, Friday, April 17, GT Dining will showcase some of its initiatives as well as bring some less known services, such as Destiny Produce, to campus.
"We are so excited to have Destiny Produce, which is local and organic produce, at Earth Day this year. It’s good to buy local produce because it helps sustain the area where you live, and I think the produce tastes great!” Martin said.