Sustainability

The UHDS staff are committed to practices that are sustainable in the operation of the dining program. Below are some of the initiatives staff are involved in to be good stewards of the earth.

Sustainable Practices

• OSU and UHDS are members of the Oregon Food Alliance which supports sustainable agricultural practices. Locally grown organic produce are specified from the produce company whenever possible which largely depends on the time of year.
• UHDS purchases Oregon Natural Beef for the hamburgers used at Calabaloo's restaurants.
• Leftover products are provided to Linn/Benton Food Share who pick up products a couple of times per week from each of our dining centers.
• An Earthtub has just been installed at Marketplace West Dining Center for the composting of produce trimmings.
• Waste oil is currently recycled by a rendering company and UHDS staff are looking into experimental bio-diesel projects on campus including the possibility of powering the OSU Catering trucks with the waste oil from the dining facilities.
• Only rice oil and olive oil are used in the dining centers. These are among the healthiest oils available.