In an effort to reduce waste from single-use containers, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s dining halls—Gateway Café and Hale Aloha Café—are introducing a sustainable Reusable Take-Out Container Program, with Sodexo Hawaiʻi. For an annual fee of $5, students can purchase a durable, microwavable three-compartment container at one of the dining halls.
Students can buy these reusable containers using meal points, dining dollars, cash or card at the dining halls. Currently, more than 1,400 boxes have already been purchased. Given that single-use containers cost 50 cents each time, the reusable option is a more cost-effective solution for students who frequently opt for take-out.
“Anyone who plans on doing any kind of take out more than once should go for the green one [reusable container]”, said Amelie Kitakis, an exploratory student living in student housing.
Once purchased, students are able to fill their reusable containers with as much food as they want, as long as the attached lid can be securely closed. The program operates on a swap system so they do not have to always wash the container themselves. When a student returns for another take-out meal, they will return their used container and receive a clean container in exchange. If students opt to dine-in, they can exchange their used container for a clean one for future take-out, or receive a token that can be redeemed for a cleaner container on their next take-out visit.
“These containers are so much more practical than the disposable ones. The students love that there’s three compartments so their food doesn’t touch, said Sodexo Hawaiʻi’s Marketing Specialist Marcie Moribe, “Students can pop it in the microwave and our dining halls will clean it for them.”
“Overall our students have really understood the rationale behind it, looking at sustainability, being environmentally conscious,” said Kenny Lopez, associate director of residence life. “I think our students have really appreciated this model and have embraced it and have been taking advantage of it.”
If students lose a container, they will have to pay another $5 to replace it. Cutlery and cups are available upon request.
—By McKenzie Kurosu
