Single use reduction
Reusable opportunities on campus
- Eco-Box: The Eco-Box/Eco-Card reusable container exchange program offers a zero-waste option for all takeaway meals at the Cove Dining Facility and Mystic Market kiosks. All on-campus residents receive a free Eco-Card as part of their welcome package, while others can join the program with a $5 investment.
- Beverage Cups: Customers can opt for reusable drinking options at the Cove Dining Facility, with glasses, coffee cups, and soft drink reusable cups available. Enjoy $0.25 off your drink purchase at any campus food outlet when you bring your own mug.
- Water refilling stations across campus support sustainability efforts.
BC single-use and plastic-ware prevention regulation
As of December 20, 2023, our campus adheres to and plastic waste. The Office of Campus Planning and Sustainability collaborates with food service providers to exceed compliance standards and meet upcoming regulatory deadlines.
Our actions include:
- Plastic Shopping Bags: UVic does not sell or distribute plastic shopping bags on campus, complying with municipal by-laws.
- Utensils: All food service utensils (forks, spoons, knives, chopsticks, stir sticks) are crafted from uncoated wood or bamboo, aligning with BC regulations.
- Straws: University Food Services chooses , which are made in the USA and decompose in 45-60 days. Aardvark paper straws are BPA-free, food safe, and FDA/EU compliant, CA Prop 65 compliant, PFOA and PF0S compliant and allergen free.
- Packaging: No polystyrene foam is used in food and beverage packaging. Compostable and oxo-biodegradable plastics will be entirely phased out by July 2024.
- Accessories: Food service accessories like lids, sleeves, utensils, napkins, wet wipes, and straws are not automatically provided to customers. They are available at self-serve stations for optional use. Lids can be included for mobile apps or delivery orders.
Continuous improvement:
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Incentives: We encourage reusable mugs with a $0.25 discount, promote on-site dining with reusable cutlery and plates, and offer the Eco-Box program—a reusable container share program at the Cove and Mystic Market.
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Reusable Water Bottles: With 89 water refill locations and an outdoor refill station (May-Oct), we promote reusable water bottles through a Google embedded map locater.
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Evaluation of Packaging Materials: We continuously assess packaging materials to increase the use of paper and plant fiber, ensuring compostable packaging is accepted by waste service providers. We aim to choose white, dye-free to-go coffee cups for a reduced environmental impact.
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Recyclable Plastics: We are shifting procurement practices to prioritize easily recyclable plastics (e.g., PET #1, HDPE #2, PP #5) by default.
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Eliminating PVC Film Wrap: By July 1, 2028, we will eliminate all Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) film wrap in alignment with BC legislation.