Choose to Reuse

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Our Choose 2 Reuse campaign was awarded a 2020 NACUFS Gold Award for Educational Outreach in Sustainability. As a part of this campaign, reusable to-go containers in the dining halls have entirely eliminated the use of disposable containers for take-out meals. Additionally, beverage discounts are available in select locations for reusable cups & mugs. Read below for more information.

#Choose2Reuse 

Reusable Bottle & Mug Discounts 

  • CDS bottles and mugs are available for purchase, which are eligible for $0.25 off of refills at Lenoir Mainstreet, The Beach Café, Rams Market, Cafe McColl, Blue Ram, Café Converge, and Atrium Café. 
  • Alpine Deli and Alpine Bagel offers 20% off fountain beverages and 10% off self-serve coffee with any reusable drink container.   
  • Port City Java offers $0.25 discount for coffee refills with Port City Java or CDS cups (up to 16 ounces). 

Reusable To Go Containers

We offer reusable to-go containers in Chase and Top of Lenoir, so you can take your food wherever you’d like. Have a picnic on the quad or a study night in the library, without the waste!  

How to check out a container: 

  1. Ask the cashier for a to-go container when you scan into the dining hall. You will scan your card twice, but only one meal swipe is used.
  1. Fill up your container with food, and enjoy your meal! 
  1. Return your container to either dining hall, and make sure to let the cashier know so they can mark it as returned. 

Good to know: 

  • Meal plan holders are eligible to check out up to two containers at a time for free. If you do not have a meal plan, or have already checked out two boxes, you can purchase a box for $3.50. If you purchase a container, you must ask for a replacement when you return your used one. If not, you will be opted out of the program and will have to purchase another to participate. 
  • Using a to go container does not use a second meal swipe! We scan twice to mark that you have checked out a container. However, if you would like to eat a meal in the dining hall and then take leftovers/food to go, you will have to use a second meal swipe. 

Did you know? 

  • Our reusable to-go program allows us to divert approximately 150,000 disposable containers each year!