Mason Dining is committed to sustainability and providing healthy and fresh selections for the Mason community. Mason is a participant of the Healthier Campus Initiative, by the Partnership for a Healthier America. The initiative aims to curb obesity by delivering healthier options and promoting more opportunities for physical activity to improve health. Mason has committed to having a nutritionist available to all students, as well as more healthy options at each meal such as fruits and vegetables, additional calorie labeling, and more outdoor and indoor physical activity options. Other highlights of its sustainability efforts include:
- introducing large-scale composting in Southside and the Globe Dining Halls
- providing campus-grown produce from the Presidents Park Hydroponic Greenhouse to its dining halls;
- offering plant based options at every meal;
- purchasing more local and sustainable foods;
- promoting recycling and waste minimization;
- implementing energy and water conservation measures;
- recycling all kitchen oil waste;
- incorporating trayless dining;
- using reusable serviceware; and
- promoting a reusable mug program.
Check out Mason Dining to learn more about their sustainability initiatives, how to eat vegan, and other tasty behind the scenes treats.
Raising your self-awareness about eating less meat and having a more plant based diet, eating locally, checking food labels, and purchasing third party certified products such as certified organic, Fair Trade, or Marine Stewardship Council are some of the ways you can make a positive impact on the planet. Buying locally produced foods helps support the local farmers and economy, while also ensuring foods have not traveled hundreds of miles to arrive at your local supermarket.