Sustainable Columbia
Columbia Dining is a partner working to help achieve goals set by the University's Sustainability Plan. Learn more about how our efforts are helping to create a more Sustainable Columbia.
THE REUSABLE ECO-CONTAINER
Making To-Go Dining More Sustainable
When you want to take a meal to-go but don't want to create extra waste, the eco-container is here for you. The eco-container is the only reusable container allowed in the dining halls and can be used to take a meal to-go at select locations. All Columbia Dining Plan Holders are eligible to join the program. Watch our Instagram reel to see the eco-container in action.
PLANT-POWERED CARBON CHALLENGE
Reducing Carbon Emissions through Plant-Forward Meals
Columbia Dining was the first organization to sign on to the Plant-Powered Carbon Challenge, an initiative of the NYC Mayor’s Office. As part of the challenge, Columbia Dining has committed to reducing its food-based carbon emissions 25% by 2030.
Our Sustainability Initiatives
Sustainable practices drive our purchasing decisions, menu development, and physical operations. We order from local businesses and farms, provide a wide range of daily vegan and vegetarian options and prioritize recycling and reuse. Learn more:
Approximately 58% of all food served is purchased from vendors within 250 miles of the Morningside campus.
Our culinary team has added more plant-based items as a features on our menus, as part of our membership in the Menus of Change University Research Collaborative.
100% post-consumer recycled or compostable materials are used in our dining locations. We make every effort to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
We choose energy efficient equipment and follow processes that help to cut waste, like the InSinkErator that helps reduce food scraps sent to landfill by 85%.
We aim to be a 0% waste organization. (We love food too much to waste it.)
Columbia University received a Gold rating from STARS for its sustainability efforts, in which Columbia Dining played a key role.