Edinburgh Napier moves to reduce food waste and plastic use

Edinburgh Napier University has reinforced its commitment to environmental sustainability by introducing a host of new measures to reduce food waste and plastic use.

To mark Climate Week Scotland 2018 – a week dedicated to showcasing what Scotland is doing to tackle climate change – the University has joined forces with Social Bite in a bid to reduce food waste alongside helping the homeless.

Social Bite is now supplying sandwiches at catering outlets across Edinburgh Napier’s three campuses at Craiglockhart, Merchiston and Sighthill. As part of the partnership, the University has committed to donating unused sandwiches and wraps to good causes across the city.

Founded in 2012, Social Bite provides free food and drink to around 150 homeless people a day across Scotland.

In addition to the partnership, the University has also removed all plastic
cutlery from its campus catering outlets, alongside replacing its takeaway
boxes with an eco-friendly alternative.

The University has also introduced a 5p charge for disposable cups for hot drinks in an effort to encourage users to re-use their own cup. All money raised from this scheme will go towards funding future sustainability projects.

It has also launched its own range of reusable keep cups. At a cost of £7.50, one keep cup equates to the cost of 150 disposable cups.

Helen Mathieson, Interim Head of Facilities Management at Edinburgh Napier, said: “It is exciting to see people embracing the plans we are implementing and it shows how even the smallest change can have a significant and positive impact in terms of waste reduction and the promotion of sustainability.

“I am proud to be driving this forward, with the support of the team, and we will continue to look for ways to improve what we do and how we do it with a strong environmental focus.”

These measures are the latest in a host of initiatives embraced by the University that cover all aspects of environmental impact at Edinburgh Napier.

From the provision of campus recycling points and free eCycles for students and staff to use between campuses to being a Fairtrade University, it is committed to being as environmentally friendly and sustainable as possible. These projects are led by its Environmental Sustainability team within the
University’s Property & Facilities division.