The University recently added the option of using metal silverware in campus eateries. This move will help reduce waste on the University’s campus and it marks a step in the direction of environmental progress. On Nov. 13, 2006, we offered the following observation in our staff editorial, “Small silverware changes can add up”:

“Plastic silverware and paper dishes are one of the biggest sources of waste at campus eateries like The Village and Holmes Lounge. Those small plastic forks that everyone casually throws away add up. Though something as simple as changing the amount of silverware and plates certain eateries deposit into the trash doesn’t seem like much, protecting the environment is going to come through putting extra effort into changing all the small ways in which we are wasteful-for example, using No. 6 non-recyclable plastic cups in the library-and not from something drastic like converting the campus energy source to solar power. But, because drastic changes are unlikely, we need to make an effort to make as many small sacrifices as possible, and a way we can make a substantial impact is to change our dining practices.”

We’re pleased to see that Wash. U. and Bon Appétit have given students the option of reusable silverware. This will significantly reduce the amount of waste produced by students and help the University become more environmentally friendly. However, this is only the first step.

In 2006, we also mentioned that Wash. U. should add reusable plates, dishes and cups and have students put them in bins similar to the ones seen at places like Kayak’s and St. Louis Bread Co. We realize that the University will have to expand its dishwashing capacities, a process that will take space and money. However, if the University is truly committed to environmentalism, it will take these steps even if they are inconvenient. While reusable silverware is a great, encouraging start, the amount of waste the University still produces is unacceptable.

Additionally, it is not enough for the University to provide reusable dining utensils. While Wash. U. can provide these services, it is ultimately up to the students to take advantage of them. Students must take the initiative to use these services when they can, if they are to have a positive impact and reduce waste on campus.

Wash. U. is moving in the right direction, but there is still room for improvement, and we hope that Wash. U. will continue to expand upon its current efforts and also implement new environmentally-conscious policies.

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