Sustainability

All BMCDS operations offer ceramic plates, cups, glasses & metal utensils for in-house service to minimize disposable waste. 

Our commitment to sustainability extends to every aspect of our dining operations. While we prioritise the use of ceramic service and reusable take-out containers whenever possible, there are instances where these options may not be feasible, particularly for off-site events.

For any events where our Dining Services cannot provide reusable options, we are fully committed to utilizing biodegradable containers, cutlery, and beverage vessels. This policy ensures that even when reusables aren't an option, we're still minimizing our environmental impact by choosing materials that can naturally break down, reducing landfill waste.

Furthermore, it is a core policy across all our operations – including our Dining Halls, Catering services, and Cafes – to reduce or eliminate the use of all plastic and non-biodegradable materials. This comprehensive approach reflects our dedication to responsible waste management and our continuous effort to foster a greener, more sustainable campus environment for everyone.

Bryn Mawr College Dining is committed to sustainability through its comprehensive composting program. We proudly compost all pre- and post-consumer waste generated at several key campus locations:

• Erdman Dining Hall

• New Dorm Dining Hall

• UnCommon Grounds

• Wyndham Alumni House

Our dedicated partner, Organic Diversions, is key to this effort. They help us keep food scraps and other organic materials out of landfills, which significantly shrinks our environmental footprint and cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions. This waste is then put to good use, either as animal feed, for composting, or through anaerobic digestion to create energy. This partnership highlights our strong commitment to responsible waste management and fostering a greener campus.

Recycling plays a vital role in our efforts. You'll find convenient recycling options available across campus, including in all our dining facilities, making it easy for everyone to participate. We also make sure to provide recycling bins at all outdoor special events, ensuring our sustainability initiatives extend beyond our regular operations.

To further minimize our environmental footprint, we've focused on reducing paper waste. Both the napkins used in our dining facilities and the paper supplied in our offices are made from recycled materials. This simple change significantly reduces the demand for virgin resources.

We recycle all print cartridges from our various operations and administrative offices. By consistently recycling these items, we divert substantial waste from landfills and support a circular economy. Our comprehensive recycling program reflects our ongoing dedication to responsible resource management and fostering a greener campus community.

At Bryn Mawr College, we're actively working to reduce waste and promote sustainability, and a key part of that effort is our reusable take-out container program! Now available at both Erdman and New Dorm Dining Halls, this initiative makes it easy for you to enjoy your meals on the go while significantly reducing single-use plastic and paper waste.

The process is simple and designed for convenience:

1. Check out a reusable container when you pick up your meal at either dining hall.

2. Enjoy your food wherever you like.

3. Simply rinse the container when you're finished.

4. Check your container back with the checker in the dining halls.

By following these simple steps, you're directly contributing to a more sustainable campus environment, helping us divert waste from landfills and lessen our ecological footprint. It's an easy yet impactful way to make a difference every day!

All BMCDS operations use Ecolab cleaning chemicals in concentrates, used with auto-diluting systems and reusable spray bottles, reducing shipping & disposal needs.

All dining halls and cafes feature directly traded coffees, meaning the coffee growers receive a fair price for their coffee and negotiate directly with our suppliers. We proudly serve Chesapeake Bay Roasting Company coffee in UnCommon Grounds Cafe and The Lusty Cup. 
We proudly serve Sun Coffee in Erdman and New Dorm Dining Halls.

Full-time staff at Dining Services are paid above the living wage for the Philadelphia area.

Bryn Mawr College Dining Services offers seasonal local fruits, and we are constantly working to increase the proportion of local foods available in the Dining Halls.

Our plant-forward station located in New Dorm Dining Hall utilizes the following principles:

• Plates centered around minimally processed foods…plant protein takes the lead!
• Fresh. Seasonal. Local.  No added sweeteners and reduced sodium.
• Transparent ingredient sourcing that is supportive of sustainable farming and fisheries.
• Emphasis on healthy dietary patterns, including whole food, avoiding excess servings, and focusing on calorie quality.
• Encourage innovation and sustainability through food purchasing patterns and practices to advance community health, social well-being, and our food system.
• Reduce the role of animal-based foods; by sourcing the healthiest affordable ingredients from antibiotic-free raised animals. If animal-based foods are served; prioritize fish, then dairy, then eggs.
• Unapologetic elevation of flavor and quality

Our plant-forward station in the New Dorm Dining Hall utilizes sustainable principles adopted from elements of the “Menus of Change.”                                                

Dining Services partners with and works with Bryn Mawr College Greens and The Sustainable Foods Committee to continue developing sustainable practices in our operations. Examples of projects include moving to biodegradable takeout containers, a food waste reduction campaign, a napkin use reduction project, and recycling.

Sustainability Leadership Group is working closely with campus community members to explore new ways to reduce our environmental impact and strengthen our ties with the Bryn Mawr community.
 

We take responsibility for sourcing sustainable seafood. We use seafoodwatch.org to identify the most environmentally friendly options and offer them based on availability. 
                                      
Local Foods We prioritize local food sourcing, incorporating fresh, regional ingredients into our daily menus whenever possible. To celebrate our commitment to the community, we host 100-mile dinners featuring local produce each semester.

Bryn Mawr College Dining Services collaborates with Restaurant Technologies (RT) to transform our waste cooking oil into biofuel. This partnership helps us keep plastic, cardboard, and used oil out of landfills. By converting used cooking oil into a natural, renewable fuel source, we extend our sustainability efforts across our internal operations and throughout our supply chain.