Students will now have to carry their food in their hands. The new Memorial Student Center is considering following the trend of getting rid of plastic trays in the cafeteria.
According to an article in the Dallas Morning News, there are over 300 institutions getting rid of plastic trays. Their reasons range from weight concern to environmental issues, and Texas A&M University-Commerce is now considering all options. “The University is currently looking into the trayless initiative and Sodexo [leader in integrated food and facilities management] has had input about the advantages of being trayless in the new student center,” John Offerle, general manager of campus dining services, said. “The final decision has not been made, but many schools have made this change and this change has been viewed as the right way to go for the environment and food waste.”
Universities are concerned that students who use trays in the cafeteria will consume more food than they would if they had to carry each plate. No more hands, no more plates.
Going trayless could also reduce waste from students taking more food than they can eat, which would mean economic relief for the University as well. However, the problem of students finishing one plate and making another trip for more food remains.
“If they could put the whole meal on one plate, then it would be great because it would cut down on waste and water usage. Perhaps overeating wouldn’t be such a problem either. The school should try a pilot program to see if it actually works. Let the students try it and vote on it. We’re the ones it affects the most,” Stephanie Fernandez, senior education major said.
Environmentally speaking, discontinuing use of these trays results in less energy used by dishwashers, less water used to wash them and less harmful detergents entering into our water systems.
“I think it would be hard because you’d have to carry your silverware, napkin, plate and drink all at once. I do like the idea of “going green” but they should just use environmentally friendly soap,” Stephanie Garrett, sophomore English major said.
“Then the water used would just be recycled into a water treatment plant and reused.”