We, The SU, are committed to the fight against the climate crisis. As an organisation we are looking at everything we do and how we can make changes to reduce our own carbon emissions.
Reducing our Impact
Here’s what we have already done to reduce our impact:
- Reduced plastic waste - We have swapped the disposable plastic cups for reusable ones to use during our club nights. This saves a staggering 7,000 plastic cups a week!
- Eco-friendly takeaways - Food from the Plug is served in Vegware boxes. These are made from plant-based materials using renewable and lower carbon energy. At the moment these can be disposed of in general waste but we are working on ways to compost them, which is what they are designed for.
- No more disposable coffee cups - All hot drinks are served in your own cup or a reusable Starbucks cup you can purchase for £1.
- Refill your water bottle - You can refill your bottle from the water jug at the end of the bar in the Plug, or ask a member of staff to fill it for you.
Help us to recycle your waste
Here’s a handy guide to using the recycling bins in the Plug & Tub.
- Food waste - Green bin - For all leftover food. But first, think whether you can save it for later instead of disposing of it.
- Plastic and cans - Red bin - Plastic bottles, drinks cans. Don’t throw away your reusable Starbucks cup. Save it for next time.
- General waste – Grey bin - Vegware packaging and anything else can go into this bin which goes to landfill. Make sure you check if your items can be recycled before using this bin.
- Cardboard - Take any cardboard including pizza boxes to the bar. Our staff will put it in the cardboard recycling for you.
The road to a sustainable future
There’s still lots more to be done. Here are the changes we are working towards:
Reducing emissions through our menu
Everything we eat has an impact on the environment and some foods have a greater impact than others. That’s why we are working to give you more foods with lower carbon emissions including more vegetarian and vegan options.
Improved dietary requirements
By improving our vegan options, we will offer more dairy-free options. We are also working on how to provide gluten-free alternatives in a safe way from our kitchen.
Improved Bins
We are working with the University to provided cardboard bins to dispose of pizza boxes. We are also working towards effective composting of the Vegware takeaway packaging. Vegware lets off less harmful toxins than regular waste when put in landfill, but when composted can help to nourish British soil, support healthy plant growth and reduce the risk of flooding.
No more paper tickets
We are currently working with our ticket provider for club nights such as Score to implement ticketless entry to our events and club nights. This will reduce the amount of paper printing we do each year. You may see some ticketless events this year as we try out our new systems.
Cold drink cups
We are working to find a replacement for the Starbucks Cold Drink cups for the iced coffees which are particularly popular in the summer.
1-Drop Campus
We are joining up our food and drink suppliers, where possible, to ensure deliveries make one trip to campus for all outlets. This will reduce the emissions of our suppliers who might have to make repeat or additional trips.