Suffolk University and Sodexo have worked together to adopt the use of environmentally preferred products, expand and increase recycling, and offer waste reduction incentives.

Green Event Checklist

When placing an order with Sodexo, please refer to this green event checklist to help you make environmentally friendly decisions.

Local Food

Sodexo offers several foods produced locally and regionally.  Be sure to take a look at signage in the cafes and ask for suggestions when planning an event!

Environmentally Preferred Products

Prompted by student advocacy, Suffolk worked with Sodexo to replace polystyrene products with plates, cups, and bowls made of paper, with recycled content.  In the Donahue Cafe, we are now also using biodegradable straws, cups, and cutlery, which can be composted. 

Recycling

In 2010, Suffolk composted 80,000 pounds of food scraps (up from 55,000 in 2009 and 10,000 in 2008).

Staff in each of the kitchens also recycle cardboard, glass, metal, and plastic. 

In the spring of 2010 Suffolk launched composting pilot program for Donahue Cafe diners.  Thanks to the help of several volunteers and dedicated staff members, we are composting a couple hundred pounds of organic waste per week at this location.  In order to facilitate the program, we switched to biodegradable straws, cups, and cutlery at the Donahue Cafe.  We also have composting receptacles in the Miller Hall and 150 Tremont cafes. 

Mug Club

Use a reuseable travel mug and get 15 cents off your beverage discount in the cafes on campus.

Incentives

Keep an eye out for coupons that Suffolk University Sustainability Committee members periodically distribute to recyclers and travel mug users. 

For more information, visit the Suffolk Dining page.

If you have recommendations for further steps Suffolk and Sodexo might take to reduce environmental impact, please email your ideas to recycle@suffolk.edu.