2008 Woodie Awards
Don't be-tray sustainability
Katie Mischke
Issue date: 10/3/08 Section: Opinions
Those of you who have "borrowed" a cafeteria tray for sledding in the winter may want to keep it as a collector's item. Cafeteria trays may soon become obsolete.
Colleges and universities are now starting to rid themselves of trays. Going "tray-less" cuts costs, waste and water usage by substantial amounts. According to a story on National Public Radio, washing each tray requires a half-gallon of water. Also, tray-less universities have cut food waste by 25 percent.
Many colleges around the United States, including Harvard, Columbia University, San Diego State University and now Wartburg College have gone tray-less in some form. The schools that haven't gone fully tray-less cast aside trays on designated days or designated meals.
Wartburg, in Waverly, Iowa, went tray-less full-time beginning last May. They held a trial run in winter, and according to Shanna Seiler, a sophomore at Wartburg, few students were happy with the experiment.
"There was kind of a revolt," Seiler said. However, things are better now, Seiler says. Wartburg has compromised by implementing bigger plates and cups. Seiler says that "it's still a pain," but students are getting used to it.
On a campus like St. Olaf where catch phrases such as "being green" and "sustainability" are as common as "Facebook me," it is surprising that we still use trays. However, at least one St. Olaf student goes tray-less on her own.
Diana Baetscher '09 forgoes the use of a tray for her meals in Stav Hall. She says that to do this, "I squish all my food on one plate, hold my silverware and drink in one hand, then go back for refills as necessary."
While Baetscher has made the adjustment of eating without a tray, she says most are hesitant to follow suit, preferring the convenience of having multiple drinks and plates all in one trip.
Baetscher argues that most everyone goes back into the cafeteria for dessert or cereal, so multiple trips shouldn't be a big issue. Also, one of Baetscher's friends has suggested finding a "tray buddy." He carries Diana's bowl of soup or extra drink on his tray. According to Baetscher, even one tray between two people is still an improvement.
The Student Government Association, for which Baetscher is vice president, discussed the possibility of ridding St. Olaf of trays; however, Baetscher says it received much resistance.
According to Baetscher, "The only way St. Olaf could go totally tray-less is if Bon Appétit got rid of the trays."
Should St. Olaf go tray-less? Some students strongly oppose it. Given the setup of Stav Hall, problems of accessibility and convenience could be at issue.
Other students, however, are interested in at least having a trial run, which could show just how much of an inconvenience it would be. In addition, it could give an accurate estimate of food waste reduction, reduced water usage and cost savings.
St. Olaf students do care about environmental issues, no matter how much we love to grumble. As Baetscher said, "If St. Olaf is truly committed to sustainability, there's no reason why we shouldn't explore the logistics of going totally tray-less."
Katie Mischke '10 is from Ringsted, Iowa. She majors in English and religion.
Colleges and universities are now starting to rid themselves of trays. Going "tray-less" cuts costs, waste and water usage by substantial amounts. According to a story on National Public Radio, washing each tray requires a half-gallon of water. Also, tray-less universities have cut food waste by 25 percent.
Many colleges around the United States, including Harvard, Columbia University, San Diego State University and now Wartburg College have gone tray-less in some form. The schools that haven't gone fully tray-less cast aside trays on designated days or designated meals.
Wartburg, in Waverly, Iowa, went tray-less full-time beginning last May. They held a trial run in winter, and according to Shanna Seiler, a sophomore at Wartburg, few students were happy with the experiment.
"There was kind of a revolt," Seiler said. However, things are better now, Seiler says. Wartburg has compromised by implementing bigger plates and cups. Seiler says that "it's still a pain," but students are getting used to it.
On a campus like St. Olaf where catch phrases such as "being green" and "sustainability" are as common as "Facebook me," it is surprising that we still use trays. However, at least one St. Olaf student goes tray-less on her own.
Diana Baetscher '09 forgoes the use of a tray for her meals in Stav Hall. She says that to do this, "I squish all my food on one plate, hold my silverware and drink in one hand, then go back for refills as necessary."
While Baetscher has made the adjustment of eating without a tray, she says most are hesitant to follow suit, preferring the convenience of having multiple drinks and plates all in one trip.
Baetscher argues that most everyone goes back into the cafeteria for dessert or cereal, so multiple trips shouldn't be a big issue. Also, one of Baetscher's friends has suggested finding a "tray buddy." He carries Diana's bowl of soup or extra drink on his tray. According to Baetscher, even one tray between two people is still an improvement.
The Student Government Association, for which Baetscher is vice president, discussed the possibility of ridding St. Olaf of trays; however, Baetscher says it received much resistance.
According to Baetscher, "The only way St. Olaf could go totally tray-less is if Bon Appétit got rid of the trays."
Should St. Olaf go tray-less? Some students strongly oppose it. Given the setup of Stav Hall, problems of accessibility and convenience could be at issue.
Other students, however, are interested in at least having a trial run, which could show just how much of an inconvenience it would be. In addition, it could give an accurate estimate of food waste reduction, reduced water usage and cost savings.
St. Olaf students do care about environmental issues, no matter how much we love to grumble. As Baetscher said, "If St. Olaf is truly committed to sustainability, there's no reason why we shouldn't explore the logistics of going totally tray-less."
Katie Mischke '10 is from Ringsted, Iowa. She majors in English and religion.
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