This week of earth month is all about how you, a member of our community at Notre Dame, can make a difference through the choices you make in the dining halls, at Grab & Go, or at our retail locations.
The good news? Sustainable eating doesn’t require a complete lifestyle overhaul. In fact, small, intentional, and consistent choices can have a meaningful impact. Here are a few easy ways to make your meals on campus more environmentally friendly:
Be Mindful at Self-Serve Stations
Dining halls offer flexibility and a variety of choices—but it’s easy to take more than you’ll eat. Start with smaller portions, even if you don’t fill up your whole plate, and always feel free to go back for seconds if you’re still hungry. This option is the magic of our buffet-style dining halls!
Build Your Plate with Purpose
Think of your plate as an opportunity to balance both nutrition and sustainability. To start, you can learn more about the powerhouse plant-based options at the dining hall salad bars. Adding edamame, chickpeas, or beans to your plate—just to name a few examples—can keep you feeling full for hours, give you the energy and nutrients you need, and cut down on your portions of animal proteins.
Go for “Low-Impact Swaps”
You don’t have to give up your favorite meals—just tweak them. Try choosing chicken instead of beef, or a veggie-packed pasta instead of a meat-heavy one. Even swapping dairy milk for oat or soy milk in your coffee can make a difference. This approach not only reduces your environmental footprint but also introduces more variety into your diet.
Think Seasonal and Rotational
Menus often shift with the seasons—take advantage of that! Seasonal foods typically require fewer resources to grow and transport. Trying what’s new or featured each week also helps diversify your diet and reduce reliance on the same high-demand ingredients.
Use Reusables When You Can
Whether you’re grabbing coffee or taking food to-go, opting for reusable containers, mugs, or utensils helps cut down on single-use waste. Look for the posters in retail locations, dining halls, and even academic buildings indicating that reusable coffee cups can be used here. When grabbing food to-go, having a reusable fork or straw in your bag means you don’t need to create extra waste with your meal. If eating a sit-down meal, bring your own container instead of relying on plastic to-go boxes for your leftovers. Keeping a reusable item in your backpack makes this an easy habit. Free giveaways on campus for travel mugs, reusable bags, and more make it an affordable one!
Combine Convenience with Conscious Choices
Short on time? Grab & Go doesn’t have to mean unsustainable. Look for items with minimal or recyclable packaging, or choose options that include more plant-based ingredients. Convenience and sustainability can go hand in hand.
Stay Curious
Sustainable eating is not about perfection—it’s about awareness and progress. Ask questions about where your food comes from, try new ingredients, and remain open to change. Moving towards a more sustainable future through our food is all about considering new options and trying to adopt new habits, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. The more informed your choices, the greater your impact.
Every meal is a chance to contribute to a more sustainable campus. By making thoughtful decisions, whether big or small, you’re helping shape a dining culture that supports both people and the planet.