ELIMINATING TRAYS IN THE CAFETERIA: BENEFITS TO THE PLANET AND TO ECONOMIC COSTS

Dianne Marquart, Jefferson College

Summary

Students will collect data and information on the use of food trays in the cafeteria. They will analyze the environmental and cost benefits of eliminating food trays in the cafeteria and prepare a written report of their findings. To conclude the project, they will make a presentation to the college president.

Human/Cultural, Soils, Energy, Soils and Agriculture, Sustainability, ...(more) | College Lower (13-14) | Public Policy and STEM, Environmental Justice, Ethics

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Topics

Human/Cultural, Soils, Energy, Soils and Agriculture, Sustainability, Environmental Ethics/Values, Environmental Science, Mathematics

Grade Level

College Lower (13-14)

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice

Public Policy and STEM: STEM disciplines can strengthen data-based decision making in the public sphere. Environmental Justice: Environmental burdens and benefits should be shared equitably between all communities. Ethics: All students deserve guidance on how to move through their environment, community, and discipline in an ethical manner.

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Learning Goals

Students will learn to
- Collect data and information about the use of food trays in the cafeteria
- Estimate daily energy, manpower, facility and material costs of using food trays
- Estimate the daily environmental impact of using food trays
- Perform cost analysis using spreadsheets
-Make a written report and presentation of the results

Prepares students to build effective coalitions
Engages students in civil discourse/ communications that lead to more effective decisions
Catalyzes collective actions
Investigate real world data

It advances student literacy around sustainability issues.
Encourages self-reflection and personal development of their voice for solving societal challenges
Promote creative visioning around sustainable futures

critical thinking, data analysis, synthesis of ideas, model development

Context for Use

This project can be used in Quantitative Reasoning, Liberal Arts Mathematics, Intermediate Algebra or College Algebra class. It can be done in class over several classes and/or used as a group project outside of class.

Description and Teaching Materials

Faculty needs to provide data
-Defining carbon footprint and C02 emissions.
-Unit information for measuring energy costs.
Students must research
-Food waste in the cafeteria with and without using food trays
-Data on other colleges that have eliminated using food trays in dining services
-Information on the processes used to maintain food trays in the cafeteria

Teaching Notes and Tips

Assessment

Students' written reports and presentations will be assessed using rubrics.

References and Resources

Food service company
College Food Service Director
Other colleges who have eliminated the use of food trays in cafeterias
C02 emissions calculator

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