Emerald Brand is Partnering with the University of Miami to Take a Huge Step Toward Sustainability on Campus

CORAL GABLES, Fla., Sept. 18, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- UM Dining took another step forward in their journey to sustainability this semester by partnering with Emerald Brand, to bring sustainable disposables to the University of Miami campus.

"We are constantly looking for ways to make our operation greener, and this is something we have been looking to do for quite some time. After a lot of hard work and research behind the scenes, we are excited to transition to Tree-Free™ disposables this fall," says UM Dining Director Michael Ross.

There are a few new initiatives effective this fall concerning disposables in dining. First, plastic straws have been eliminated from the residential dining halls, Hecht-Stanford and Mahoney-Pearson. This move comes alongside multiple corporations, most famously Starbucks, publicly committing to phasing out plastic straws from their operations. The straws available in the take-out areas and upon request in the dining halls are Emerald Brand PLA straws. These compostable straws are made with plant-based bioplastic technology and crafted from 100% renewable resources. They are 100% compostable, biodegradable, and Tree-Free™. These same straws are being used in retail locations across campus.

Tree-Free™ napkins are now being utilized in both the residential dining halls and retail locations along with Tree-Free™ paper towels being used in the kitchens and prep areas. Additionally, the majority of takeout containers have been or are in the process of being converted to Emerald™ products. Emerald™ utilizes natural agricultural fibers, which were traditionally wasted by-products of food production, to create raw materials that are converted into sustainable disposable products.

"We do not look at sustainability as an option, we view it as a requirement," says Meagan Clements, UM Dining's Marketing Director. "To not only improve our program by making a positive impact on the earth but also have the opportunity to partner with the passionate and environmentally ethical people of Emerald™ has been rewarding in so many ways."

Emerald™ has been a family owned and operated business since 1997. With a strong foundation in disposables, Emerald™ has spent the last twenty years developing innovations in Tree-Free™ Farm to Paper™ and Farm to Tissue® Technology, environmental impact statements, educations forums, and environmental consulting services. To learn more about Emerald Brand, visit their website https://emeraldbrand.com/

This newest initiative is one of a string of programs implemented by UM Dining in an effort to promote sustainable and environmentally conscious dining. Last year, plastic bags were eliminated from all dining facilities, replaced by paper bags. There are also custom reusable bags for purchase at dining locations across campus.

Green U and UM Dining work closely each semester on many initiatives, most recently increasing recycling across campus. By implementing awareness campaigns and augmenting existing recycling bins to make recycling easier and more intuitive, the organizations are constantly working together to get students educated on sustainability. Green U has also been working with In Style Catering to reduce food waste from events and craft sustainable menus. Please consider greening your event by following their Green Event checklist recommendations and receive new benefits.

"We partner with UM Dining on a multitude of initiatives each year to reduce our environmental impact and 'green' our dining program," comments Sustainability Manager Teddy Lhoutellier. "I am particularly excited about this initiative, as we are at the forefront of universities taking an eco-friendly approach to all aspects of dining."

To launch the new products on campus, Emerald Brand was at the University of Miami on Monday, August 27th to increase awareness, answer questions, and engage with the University community. Representatives were also at the Hurricane Food Court during lunch and Hecht-Stanford Dining Hall during dinner.

To see an overview of UM Dining's sustainability initiatives, visit their website.

UM Dining in contracted through Chartwells, the recognized leader in contract foodservice management, hospitality and award-winning guest service within 290 college and university dining environments throughout academic institutions across the U.S. Chartwells' brand mantra, "Where Hungry Minds Gather," signifies its commitment to reinventing the dining experience for the next generation of students and beyond. Our nutritious cuisine not only satisfies the unique appetites, lifestyles and dietary needs of every guest dining on campus, but it also brings people together to promote the high-intensity relationships that will prepare students for the future.

For more information, visit Chartwells' websites at http://www.ChartwellsHigherEd.com, http://www.ChartwellsMonthly.com, http://www.DineonCampus.com, or call toll-free at 1-855-9-Gather (855-942-8437).

SOURCE Emerald Brand

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