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Sustainability

 

Sustainability can be defined as, 'the ability to provide for the needs of the world's current population without damaging the ability of future generations to provide for themselves.' When a process is sustainable, it can be carried out over and over without negative environmental effects or impossibly high costs to anyone involved. A product can be considered sustainable if its production enables the resources from which it was made to continue to be available for future generations. A sustainable product can thus be created repeatedly without generating negative environmental effects, without causing waste products to accumulate as pollution, and without compromising the wellbeing of workers or communities.

UC Merced Dining Services is sensitive to sustainability and feel obligated to do our part for future generations.

 

 

Responsible Purchasing
Waste Reduction
  • Utilize Local Vendors
  • Usage of Green Chemicals 
  • Bulk Purchasing  
  • Biodegradable & Compostable Packaging  
  • Electric Motor Carts 
  • Purchase from Green Businesses  
     
  • Comingled Recycling|
  • Trash Compacting
  • Zero Waste Catering
  • Biofuel from Grease Waste
  • Pre-Consumer Composting
     
  • Coffee Grind Composting
Cooking Practices 
   2008-2008 Initiatives
  • Batch Cooking 
  • Scratch Cooking
  • Utilization of Leftovers 
  • Variable Speed Hoods to save electricity
  • Energy Effecient Dishroom
  • 60% reduction in disposables due to new Dishroom

 

       

We are pleased to announce the addition of a private herb garden at the Yablokoff-Wallace Dining Center. We are currently growing:

Marajoom

Spearmint

Peppermint

Arugula

Thyme

Cilantro

Parsley 

Dill

Lavendar

Italian Basil

Purple Basil

Kumquats 

 

These fresh items are utilized in recipes and are commonly used as garnishes. Click here for pictures of our garden!

 

Dining Services holds a seat on the Chancellors Sustainability Committee. Our commitment to Sustainability is in step with UCM's Sustainability goals. The Yablokoff-Wallace Dining Center is also a LEED SILVER Building!