We work together to continually develop and implement sustainable solutions. Through Be Well. Do Well., our sustainability plan, we bring innovative and efficient solutions to life. We are passionate about reducing inequity, supporting and growing our communities, promoting diversity, and protecting our planet, while continuously strengthening the core foundation and long-term value proposition of our business.

 

Here are just a few ways we work to make our campus more sustainability focused:

Waste Diversion

Reusables

How to access our to-go container program?

  1. Sign up HERE (app.reusepass.com/clemson) to get your unique QR code, which is used to check out a to-go container at the register.

 

Reuse Pass will be effective at Clemson beginning August 13th.

 

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To-go boxes are not permitted for dine-in use in any of the dining locations (The Dish at McAlister, Schilletter Dining Hall, or Douthit Hills Community Hub). Customers are allowed one to-go meal per meal period. Visit our To-Go Container FAQ's!

 

We are committed to reducing our contribution to this issue and phasing out single-use plastics wherever we can across our operations. 

 

  • $0.10 discount to guests who bring their own clean reusable cup to Starbucks and Einstein's. 

  • 23,000 pounds of waste diverted from the landfill each year by providing reusable dishware.

  • Free hydration stations across campus since 2012.

  • Committed to Zero Styrofoam in our residential dining and Chick-fil-A locations.

  • Offer a reusable to-go container program for residential dining.

 

 

What Goes Where

Clemson Home Dining partners with campus facilities to recycle food waste for compost, cardboard, and paper products from dining locations across campus to minimize our environmental footprint. We also recycle metal and plastic. Our team also recycles printer cartridges and batteries from our office locations. Look for signs around campus for more information on Clemson's recycling program!

 

 

Fryer Oil Recycling

We recycle our used fryer oil extending its lifespan and reducing the total amount of oil we use and waste. Oil is collected and recycled by Filta Group into biodiesel at their facility.

 

 

Food Waste Minimization

We are committed to reducing our Food Waste.

 

  • Trayless since 2005.

  • Track our waste at all dining locations.

  • Allow guests to choose their portion size to fit their needs.

  • We encourage guests to only take what they know they can eat and come back for seconds if needed.

 

We currently send our donations to the Golden Corner Food Pantry (Seneca, SC), Clemson Community Care (Clemson, SC), Littlejohn Community Center (Clemson, SC), and the Clemson University Paw Pantry. Since the beginning of 2020, we have donated over 44,000 pounds of surplus food to these partner organizations.

If you are passionate about tackling the problem of food insecurity or are simply interested in volunteering in the community, consider helping out at Golden Corner or at the Clemson Paw Pantry.

If you’re interested in learning more about food waste minimization and the food donation process, please contact Dwayne Pursley.

 

 

Farm to Fork

Responsible Sourcing Commitment

Clemson Home Dining follows numerous sourcing commitments in our efforts to increase the sustainability of our sourcing and support producers following humane and sustainable practices. 

 

  • Animal Welfare

  • Sustainable Seafood

  • Deforestation    

 

Blue Ridge Micro-Farms

In The Community Hub and The Dish at McAlister, we implemented the innovative Babylon Micro-Farm system. Out of all our local sources, this is the closest to us at 10 steps from the counter we serve them at.  

 

Local Sourcing

Did you know Clemson Home Dining sources food from many local farmers, growers, and distributors? The list changes throughout the year, depending on seasonal availability.  

 

Want to see more local products in the PODs? Email Dwayne Pursley with your suggestions!


Climate Friendly

Plant Forward

Plant Forward selections feature a style of cooking and eating that emphasizes healthy plants at the center of the plate with a proportionally small quantity of animal protein.

 

CoolFood

Coolfood Meals have a low carbon footprint, already meeting the level of food-related emissions the World Resource Institute’s research say we need meals to have by 2030. Coolfood Meals are a simple and delicious way for you to help the planet. Learn more!

 

 

Check out our Guide to Climate Friendly Foods!


Events

Clemson Home Dining's Sustainability Team host multiple sustainability-focused events each semester, such as Earth Week, Weigh the Waste, Coffee to Compost, local vendor samplings, farmers’ markets, and many more.

 

Check out @ClemsonDining on Instagram and our Events Page for more information on other dining events happening this semester!