August 1, 2012 (Raleigh, NC)–NC State Dining has teamed up with the Union Activities Board, Office of Sustainability, Waste Reduction and Recycling (WRR), and the Office of Energy Management to purchase reusable “BYO Cup” tumblers as part of the “One Less Cup” campaign for the 2012-2013 academic year. Campus dining patrons will be able to use these tumblers—or bring their own drink containers—at dining locations using disposable cups, such as restaurants, cafes and C-Stores, to receive a discount on their drink purchase.
WRR reported 3,877 tons of waste sent to the landfill from NC State last year. “The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness,” said Analis Fulghum,education and outreach coordinator for WRR at NC State. “If we can get campus community to understand how often single-use cups are thrown away, we can help reduce the number.”
The group was able to purchase more than 2,200 tumblers, which will go into circulation during the fall semester. Each group will distribute their tumblers in their own way, primarily through giveaways and promotions.
“We were pleased that so many groups wanted to participate,” said Jennifer Gilmore, director of marketing for Campus Enterprises, NC State Dining’s parent organization.
The “BYO Cup” is a 24-oz, double-wall insulated tumbler that mimics the design of a traditional paper or plastic cup, lid and straw. It matches up to NC State Dining’s medium-size fountain drink.
Gilmore added, “Having 2,200 cups in circulation has the potential to reduce paper-cup use on the campus by thousands each month.”
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