UC Irvine
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently recognized UC Irvine as a leader in waste reduction, bestowing upon the university one of 23 Food Recovery Challenge awards for 2014.
“In 2013, EPA’s Food Recovery Challenge participants diverted more than 370,000 tons of wasted food from entering landfills or incinerators,” said Mathy Stanislaus, assistant administrator in the EPA’s Office of Solid Waste & Emergency Response. “I commend the efforts of our award winners and encourage others to follow their lead. … These leaders demonstrate that protecting the environment, saving money and feeding the hungry can go hand in hand.”
UC Irvine’s waste reduction has resulted from more efficient ordering and storage of food. Chefs in student commons also work to avoid over-preparation. And periodic “Weigh the Waste” events, which calculate pounds of waste per student, provide education and positive reinforcement for improvement.
