What You Can Do
 

RIT Dining is working hard to advance our sustainability efforts and there is a lot that you can do to help.

 
Dine In

While we are converting to more sustainable carry-out container options, dining in and using washable ware is still the most sustainable choice.

 
Reduce Waste

Effective January 31, 2020, RIT Dining has replaced plastic bags, plastic straws, and plastic coffee stirrers with paper bags, paper straws, and wood stirrers. Paper bags and paper straws are available upon request only. 

Whether dining in or taking out, please be mindful of product and food waste – take only what you will eat and what you need. You can ditch the disposables by switching to reusable items such as bags, straws, utensils, mugs, bottles, and containers.

When you are finished eating don’t forget to recycle!  Single stream recycling bins can be found in all dining locations to recycle many food and meal containers and packaging.  You can also use the on-campus bottle return to get your five-cent deposit back from beverage bottles.

 

Ozzi Containers

The Ozzi system eliminates the need for disposable to-go containers and uses reusable ones. The green containers are National Sanitation Foundation approved and made from recyclable No. 5 polypropylene. They are microwave-safe, BPA-free, and keep food hotter for longer periods of time compared to single-use plastic containers. Ozzi reusable containers eliminates the use of 94,000 disposable to-go containers per year (that’s four tons), together with eradicating the growing costs to buy and dispose of the waste associated with single-use containers. At Brick City Cafe, Ozzi containers are the primary source for take-out containers and we will be working towards expanding this program campus-wide. 

An Ozzi token can be purchased at Gracie's or Brick City Cafe for up to $3.50 and used endlessly. Each purchase of a token allows a 
customer to receive one to-go container. Incoming First Year students receive one complimentary 
token in their mailbox when they arrive on campus for their first fall semester. 

How to Use and Return Ozzi Containers:

  1. If you have an Ozzi token already, exchange your token for a clean container. If you do not have a token, one can be purchased at Gracie's or Brick City Cafe. 
  2. Use the container to store your meal.
  3. Once you've finished your meal, return your Ozzi container to a receptacle located near Brick City Cafe, Gracie's, or Sol's Underground. 
  4. Follow the instructions on the receptacle to return your container and you'll receive a token to be used towards your next Ozzi container. 
  5. Don't forget your token!

 

Grow Your Own or Buy Local

Did you know that after it is harvested, produce loses nutrients as it ages?  Eating locally grown foods ensures that you are getting the fresh, flavorful food with the highest nutrient content possible.  It also helps to support and grow the local economy. 

 
Get Involved 

Have an idea or want to help RIT Dining further their sustainability efforts? Contact Kurt Ingerick, Executive Director, Auxiliary Services for more information.