What is the impact of the plastic floating around in the oceans? Which sustainable alternatives to plastic are there? While our scientists are finding answers to these questions, the university is reducing its own plastic footprint.
1. Vending machines
Vending machines no longer sell still water in plastic bottles. from February 2019. Students and staff can tap water from coffee machines (at no charge) or the water tap using their own water bottles. Soft drinks and sparkling water are still available in the vending machines.
This policy was introduced in 2019 and its impact is currently being monitored. Previously, around 25.500 plastic bottles of still water were sold from the vending machines each year.
2. Water with lunch orders
From 2018 onwards, UU-caterer Sodexo no longer serves plastic bottles of water with lunch orders but reusable glass bottles instead.