Stockton University’s Sustainable Future: Compostable, Biodegradable, To-Go Food Containers

Team Members: Lara Beck, Erin Hull, Stephanie Vitkuske

SUST 2100 - Environmental Sustainability Tait Chirenje

Fall 2016

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Abstract: Plastic waste is extremely harmful to the environment, taking possibly hundreds of

years to decompose, and the overuse of disposable plastic products in everyday life is

contributing to many adverse consequences for organisms and the environment. In this proposal,

we aim to convey the necessity of shifting away from the use of plastic to-go food containers in

the many dining establishments on Stockton University’s campus towards a more

environmentally friendly, biodegradable, compostable food container made from sugarcane

fibers, which, unlike the oil used to create plastic, is a rapidly renewable and sustainable

resource. The sugarcane containers produced by Eco-Products, a sustainable disposables

company, are appropriate for the majority of to-go container needs on campus and could be

seamlessly integrated into the dining establishments. A case of 200 of the basic hinged clamshell

containers from this company sell for $88.28 when not on sale. We propose a semester-long trial

run with these sugarcane containers alongside the current containers to assess the effectiveness

of the sustainable option and the popularity among students, faculty, and staff. Based on a survey

administered to 50 students, 3 staff members, and 1 faculty member on campus, there is already

significant interest in being able to purchase their food in sustainable to-go containers.

Implementing this proposal would show that Stockton University is truly committed to its core

belief of sustainability in every aspect of its operation.

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Table of Contents

I. Abstract……………………………………....…………………………………………...2

II. Mission Statement…………………………………………………………………...……4

III. Statement of Need………………………………………………………………………...4

IV. Project Rationale……………….………………………………………………….……...4

A. Reduces the amount of plastic in landfills………………………………………..4

B. Using renewable resources…………………………………………………….....5

C. Upholds Stockton University’s sustainable initiative………………………….....5

D. Consumer and community influence……………………………………………..6

V. Proposal Narrative………………………………………………………………………..6

A. Goal……………………………………………………………………………….6

B. Proposed Activities……………………………………………………………….6

C. Timeline…………………………………………………………………………..7

D. Finance…………………………………………………………………………....7

E. Evaluation………………………………………………………………………...8

VI. Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………..8

VII. References………………………………………………………………………………...9

VIII. Appendices

A. Figures…………………………………………………………………………...10

B. Copy of Survey…………………………………………………………....……..13

C. Communications………………………………………………………………....15

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Mission Statement: Our mission is to reduce the amount of plastic waste from Stockton

University heading to landfills by introducing compostable, biodegradable takeout food

containers into the dining areas to replace the currently used plastic containers.

Statement of Need: Plastic waste is one of the most hazardous pollutants to the environment.

“Americans generate 10.5 million tons of plastic waste a year and only recycle 1 to 2% of it”

(Institute for Sustainable Communication, 2012). This over consumption of plastics poses a

threat not only when it is turned into waste, but when it is manufactured as well. Improper

disposal and release of toxins from plastic can have detrimental effects on water and air quality.

Additionally, wildlife and their habitats suffer when exposed to chemical toxins and through the

ingestion of plastics. Plastic pollution can be swept into streams, rivers, and eventually the ocean,

affecting marine life when it is ingested, causing blockages in the digestive system, starvation,

infection, and death (World Centric, 2012).

The plastic food containers used at Stockton University are not recyclable. The

University is currently involved with ACUA, a recycling company in Little Egg Harbor

Township that does not accept plastic containers without numbers (ACUA, 2016). This means

the plastic waste used is contributing to the harmful effects in the environment. With this in

mind, Stockton University students use and dispose of all things plastic- plastic containers,

plastic bottles and plastic cups- because of its convenience. The garbage cans in dorms and

around campus suggests this plastic waste is ubiquitous and thus, contributes to the

environmental impacts discussed above (See Figure A1a,b, and c in Appendix A) .

Stockton University, a school whose fundamental preservation is sustainability, needs to

take action against the overuse of plastic in the food courts and stands throughout campus. Using

biodegradable to-go food containers will educate students on this issue and contribute to the

school's primary concern of sustainability.

Project Rationale

A. Reduces amount of plastic in landfills: “The EPA estimates that nearly 4 million tons

of plastic packaging was generated in 2007. Of that amount, less than 14% was recycled,

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adding over 3 million tons to landfills” (Carson, 2010). Many people are unaware of the

damaging effects landfills have on the environment. Plastic especially is one of the

largest benefactors to landfill toxicity. In fact, there are only two plastics that are

routinely recycled- polyethylene terephthalate and high density polyethylene- both of

which are used for other plastics such as water bottles, and not for food containers (Cho,

2012). This suggests that the thousands of containers Stockton University students throw

away each day contributes to the deterioration of the environment. Plastics can can take

thousands of years to decompose, could leak pollutants into soil and water damaging

water quality, and even affect marine life health.

On our campus, restaurants such as Primo’s Pizza and Au Bon Pan use plastic

food containers for almost all of their food options. Using biodegradable containers

would decrease the amount of plastic material and debris sent to landfills and polluted,

thus aiding in the protection of organisms health and the environment.

B. Using renewable resources: Renewable resources are incredibly sustainable alternatives

to items that cannot be reused naturally. Plastic has its share of environmental impacts

because it is not made from a renewable resource. Using sugarcane containers as a

renewable alternative to plastic containers is more sensible and environmentally friendly.

Sugarcane is influential in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting economic

growth and energy diversity. Sugarcane only needs to be replanted about every six years,

reducing the amount of tilling that releases carbon dioxide into the air (Sugarcane, 2016).

Additionally, Stockton could influence the use of sugarcane products which can be used

for several other purposes such as types of energy to include ethanol, bioelectricity, and

biohydrocarbons (Sugarcane, 2016). Introducing sugarcane products to the United States

can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and trade balance between countries that have

already made the sustainable switch.

C. Upholds Stockton University’s sustainable initiatives: From recycling bins across

campus and reusable bottles to solar panels and geothermal energy, Stockton University

has integrated a variety of sustainable projects onto their campus. However, plastic waste

poses a problem still today and is responsible for the most detrimental environmental

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issues. As sustainability is a vital aspect of Stockton’s interests, it is important to make

this switch from plastic to sugarcane to-go containers.

D. Consumer and Community Influence: Buying compostable, biodegradable food

containers helps promote and influence sustainable alternatives to consumers. This will in

turn, show companies and manufacturers that innovating and using sustainable resources

can help drive sales which will reduce costs of plastic- free packaging as it becomes

normalized. Additionally, introducing biodegradable food containers can influence other

businesses, school districts, and people of surrounding areas to replicate similar

initiatives and even develop new ideas.

Project Narrative:

A. Goal: The main goal of this proposal is to decrease the amount of plastic waste that

Stockton University generates and sends to landfills by simply swapping out the

containers that are currently used at the many dining establishments on campus to

containers made from sugarcane fibers, a resource that is not only rapidly renewable, but

that is biodegradable and compostable as well.

B. Proposed Activities: Eco-Products is a company that makes sustainably-sourced

disposable items, most of which are biodegradable and compostable. On their website,

they proudly display the motto, “We’re not a disposable products company trying to act

green, we're a green company who happens to operate in disposables” (Eco-Products,

2016b). They offer a wide array of containers made from renewable sugarcane fibers in

many styles and sizes (Eco-Products, 2016c). The container that we feel would be most

appropriate to start with initially is the 9” x 9” x 3” hinged clamshell container because of

its universally suitable size and shape (Eco-Products, 2016a). Figure A2 in Appendix A

shows what these containers look like and provides additional, useful information. If

these containers are deemed a success, then additional options may be pursued at a later

date.

Pending approval from Chartwells and Stockton Dining, who have yet to return

emails we sent to arrange a meeting to discuss this proposal and the ideas contained

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within it, we propose a trial run for a semester where the above biodegradable,

compostable containers made from sugarcane fibers are available alongside the currently

used plastic containers at select or all dining locations on Stockton University’s campus.

Students would be able to choose into which container they would like their ordered food

placed. If they choose the sugarcane container option, they would then be entitled to a

small 5% discount on their meal as an incentive to choose the environmentally friendly

option.

Once the trial period is complete, if the sugarcane fiber containers are deemed a

success by Chartwells and Stockton Dining, then they would have the option to either

continue a system where students would be able to choose between the two containers,

with a small discount applied for using the sustainable option, or they could completely

phase out the currently used plastic containers and rely solely on the sugarcane fiber

containers for all of their to-go container needs on campus. They may also choose to add

additional sizes and styles, as mentioned above.

C. Timeline: Ideally, the trial run mentioned in the previous section would take place as

soon as possible to determine if these biodegradable, compostable to-go containers made

from sugarcane fibers are a feasible option for Stockton University. Should we be able to

come in contact with the necessary individuals, the Spring 2017 semester could serve as

the trial period. This trial would not require a great amount of time and energy to

implement as it is simply a substitution of a product that is already used on campus.

Also, by executing this proposal at the earliest time possible, it would save that much

plastic waste from entering landfills.

D. Finances: Stockton University already allocates part of their dining budget to to-go

containers. In order to implement the plans in this proposal and either offer a choice

between the sustainable sugarcane containers and the currently used plastic containers, or

to switch over from the containers currently in use to the suggested sugarcane containers

altogether, the amount of the budget that goes towards purchasing the current containers

would only be affected by the difference in cost between the two options. A case of 200

of the 9” x 9” x 3” hinged sugarcane clamshell containers costs $88.28 normally, but at

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the time of writing this proposal, the company has them on sale for $79.45

(Eco-Products, 2016a).

Unfortunately, after several email attempts to set up a meeting with Elizabeth

Masterson, marketing director for Chartwells at Stockton University, no reply was

received, and therefore, we cannot provide exact figures as to the budget for this

proposal. Please see Figure C1 and Figure C2 in Appendix C for copies of the email

communications that were sent in pursuit of a discussion about the topic of this proposal

with Elizabeth Masterson.

E. Evaluation: To garner interest in the ideas raised in this proposal, a short survey was

conducted around campus. In total, 54 people were surveyed: 50 students, 3 staff

members, and 1 faculty member. Of these 54 people, 39 of them said that they prefer to

purchase food from Au Bon Pain or the Campus Center cafeteria. Furthermore, all but

one senior student expressed interest in being able to buy their food in biodegradable,

compostable containers over the plastic containers that are currently available. Figure A3

in Appendix A shows the results for the people surveyed who most frequent Au Bon Pain

and Figure A4 in Appendix A shows the results from those surveyed who prefer to eat in

the Campus Center cafeteria. A copy of the administered survey can be found in

Appendix B.

Conclusion: Stockton University prides itself on being New Jersey’s Green University.

Integrating biodegradable, compostable to-go containers made from rapidly renewable sugarcane

fibers would be one more way that Stockton University can continue to be the leader in

sustainability that it is already. There are always going to be greater advances in products and

technology to help reduce our negative impacts on the environment, and by adopting these new

designs early and often, Stockton University can truly continue to lay claim to the title of New

Jersey’s Green University knowing that it is doing everything possible to fulfill the moral

obligations that come with that esteemed distinction.

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References

ACUA. (2016). Recycling Guidelines . Retrieved November 4, 2016, from http://www.acua.com/disposal-recycling/residential/recycling/

Carson, A. (2010, September 09). The Environmental Benefits of Compostable Food Boxes

Including Sources for Compostable Packaging . Retrieved November 3, 2016, from http://www.brighthub.com/environment/green-living/articles/86253.aspx

Cho, R. (2012, January 31). What Happens to All That Plastic? Retrieved November 4, 2016,

from http://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2012/01/31/what-happens-to-all-that-plastic/ Eco-Products. (2016). 9” x 9” x 3” Hinged Sugarcane Clamshell . Retrieved November 16, 2016

from http://www.ecoproductsstore.com/9_inch_x_9_inch_x_3_inch_hinged_sugarcane_clamshell.html

Eco-Products. (2016). About Us . Retrieved November 16, 2016 from

http://www.ecoproductsstore.com/about_us.html Eco-Products. (2016) Sugarcane Containers . Retrieved November 16, 2016 from

http://www.ecoproductsstore.com/sugarcane_containers.html Institute for Sustainable Communication. (2012). Plastic Garbage . Retrieved November 1, 2016,

from http://www.sustainablecommunication.org/eco360/what-is-eco360s-causes/plastic-garbage

Sugarcane. (2016). About Sugarcane . Retrieved November 4, 2016, from

http://sugarcane.org/sugarcane-benefits World Centric. (2012, March 8). Pollution and Toxins: General . Retrieved November 2, 2016,

from http://worldcentric.org/about-compostables/traditional-plastic/pollution

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Appendix A: Figures

Figure A1a: Typical trash cans in the Freshman Dormitory on Stockton University’s campus. Plastic waste can possibly take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills and has numerous adverse effects on organisms and the environment.

Figure A1b: Typical trash cans in the Freshman Dormitory on Stockton University’s campus. Plastic waste can possibly take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills and has numerous adverse effects on organisms and the environment.

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Figure A1c: Typical trash cans in the Freshman Dormitory on Stockton University’s campus. Plastic waste can possibly take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills and has numerous adverse effects on organisms and the environment.

Figure A2: Proposed sugarcane fiber containers to be offered at the dining establishments on Stockton University’s campus in place of the currently used plastic containers (Eco-Products, 2016c).

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Figure A3: The graph in this figure shows the results that we collected from the survey; In this graph it shows that all the people surveyed who go to Au Bon Pain would be interested in using biodegradable containers here rather than the plastic containers there now.

Figure A4: The graph in this figure shows the results that we collected from the survey; In this graph it shows that all the freshman, sophomore, juniors and staff surveyed that go to the Campus Center Cafeteria would be interested in using biodegradable containers, instead of the plastic ones; The graph also shows that one of the surveys done by a senior would not be interested in using a biodegradable container.

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Appendix B: Copy of Survey Given to Amass Interest in our Proposal Ideas

Biodegradable Food Containers for Environmental Sustainability

(please fill out both sides)

1. How often do you buy food on campus?

[ ] never [ ] occasionally [ ] daily [ ] More than once daily

2. Where are you most likely to get your food? Circle your answer

Au Bon Pain Dunkin Donuts Campus Center Cafeteria The Beans List N-wing

Student Restaurant I do not buy food on campus

3. Where are you least likely to get your food? Circle your answer

Au Bon Pain Dunkin Donuts Campus Center Cafeteria The Beans List N-wing

Student Restaurant I do not buy food on campus

4. Have you considered using a biodegradable container for your food?

[ ] yes [ ] No

5. Would you be interested in a school-issued biodegradable food container?

[ ] yes [ ] No

6. What would be the benefits of a biodegradable food container?

[ ] better for the environment [ ] less chance of spill [ ] larger serving [ ] durable

[ ] other ……

7. What would be the problems with a biodegradable food container?

[ ] wouldn’t make a difference [ ] breaks easily [ ] food liquids leaking out

[ ] other…….

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8. If there were a discount in the price of food in a biodegradable container, how

likely would you be to use one?

[ ] I would definitely use one [ ] likely [ ] Not very likely [ ] Not at all likely

9. I am a:

[ ] freshman [ ] sophomore [ ] junior [ ] senior [ ] graduate student [ ] staff [ ] faculty

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Appendix C: Communications

Figure C1: First email communication sent to Elizabeth Masterson, marketing director for Chartwells at Stockton University, in an attempt to initiate a conversation pertaining to our proposal of integrating biodegradable, compostable to-go containers on campus.

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Figure C2: Follow up email communication sent to Elizabeth Masterson, marketing director for Chartwells at Stockton University, in order to try and initiate a conversation regarding our proposal of using biodegradable, compostable to-go containers on campus in place of the currently used plastic containers.

Figure C3: Email attempt to gather information on the implementation and use of environmentally friendly food containers at California State University Northridge (CSUN), in order to better understand the advantages and challenges faced with this proposal. This email went unanswered.

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