To celebrate Earth Day 2010, ARAMARK Higher Education, the dining services partner at College of Charleston, has committed to implement Green Stakes, five key sustainable practices across all of its operations by the end of 2010.

As part of Green Stakes, ARAMARK Higher Education strives to implement the following sustainable and environmental practices by the end of 2010:

  • Implement an Energy and Water Conservation program at every partner campus;
  • Only purchase paper products made with recycled content;
  • Utilize daily green cleaning products at all locations;
  • Divert 100 percent of fryer oil waste;
  • Increase the level of sustainable food offerings served by at least 5 percent per year.

ARAMARK Higher Education has also partnered with Clean Air – Cool Planet (CA-CP), an independent, non-profit organization, to create a calculator tool that more accurately assesses the carbon footprint or “foodprint” of foods served on campus by quantifying the environmental impact of growing, producing, transporting and disposing of food.  The new tool will help students make more responsible decisions about the foods they choose.

“The issues of climate change, energy conservation and the over-utilization of natural resources continue to impact everyone,” said Chris Stemen, Senior Director of Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship, ARAMARK Higher Education. “Working with CA-CP and future partners of the program, we will all better understand the environmental impact of our food choices, and make both personal and environmentally responsible decisions about the foods we choose.”

In celebration of Earth Week, the College of Charleston will be hosting several dining events on campus:

Monday, April 19th

Weight the Waste with “CofC for Urban Agriculture” from 11:30 am until 1:00 pm

The “CofC for Urban Agriculture” group will be taking your waste in the dish room to “weigh the waste” over one lunch period in Fresh Food Company.

Tuesday, April 20th

Free Java City Eco Grounds Coffee

Hungry Cougar will be giving away Free Eco Grounds coffee (12oz.) from 9-10 am. Stop by to try the Eco-Friendly coffee, while supplies last.

Wednesday, April 21st

ARAMARK Sponsored Farmer’s Market

There will be a Farmer’s Market held in Cougar Mall from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm. Stop by to check out all the vendors and purchase locally. Please note: This is a cash only event.

Thursday, April 22nd

Earth Day “Bearthday” Celebration

Fresh Food Company will be celebrating the 40th Birthday of Earth Day with cake and ice cream from 11:00 am – 2:30 pm.

Friday, April 23rd

“Meatless Meal” at Fresh Food Company

Fresh Food Company will go meatless the entire lunch period. Come check out all of the Veggie Creations and learn how going meatless helps the planet.

For more information about the events visit www.cofc.edu/diningservices or call us at (843) 953-5354.