Reduce the use of disposable packaging by switching to cloth bags to reduce the use of plastic bags and reject the use of foam containers

12.2 Operational measures

12.2.5 Does your university as a body have policies around use minimization – of plastic?

EVIDENCE  1 The university has a policy to reduce the use of disposable packaging by switching to cloth bags to reduce the use of plastic bags and reject the use of foam containers.

The university has a policy of refusing to use foam containers on campus. Since the problem of foam waste is important to be managed at the source, the university has taken steps to reduce the use of single-use packaging and has been supporting the use of cloth bags to reduce the use of plastic bags since 2017. The university has publicized and educated to raise awareness by campaigning for entrepreneurs, personnel, students, and those who use the service continuously.

In 2020, the university announced a ban on styrofoam containers for food packaging. This is because styrofoam boxes are difficult to dispose of, and the substances left on the styrofoam containers when exposed to high heat can cause disease. Reusable or compostable containers made of paper or natural materials like banana leaves have also been advocated by the university.

Fig 1 Biodegradable packaging is a natural material

Fig 2 Banned from using foam containers for food packaging and campaigned for reusable containers.