Food and Farm University of Idaho Sustainability Center By: Adria Mead and Alex Rheault University of Idaho President’s Sustainability Symposium 2013

Sustainability Center Mission: to create a campus culture shift to a more socially, economically and environmentally sustainable future through student engagement, department and community collaboration.

A Dozen Issue Areas Biodiversity Built Environment Climate & Energy Composting Culture Change Food Systems Poverty Recycling Service Learning Social Equity & Environmental Justice Transportation Waste Minimization

Food Systems Committee Goals, objectives, policy and a voice for food systems on campus Student Survey

% of students that want dining options that serve student- grown produce! 81%

% of students that say eating fresh, local food on campus is important! 92%

UI Food Service Contract Convert to an alternative fuel fleet Reduce waste by 90% Geographic purchasing preferences: 12.5% local + 71% regional

Food and Farm Composting Partners: Campus Dining, Palouse Research, Extension and Education Center (PREEC), and UI Sustainability Center. Reduce Waste by 90%

Food and Farm Composting An average of 37 tons of food waste ~100 tons of livestock manure and bedding yearly

Minimizing Waste

Volunteers! Minimize Contamination! Fall volunteers contributed about 226 hours Fall 2011-Spring volunteers contributed about 475 hours

Volunteers! Student volunteers help teach patrons how to sort their waste into recycling, composting and landfill bins at the UI Commons Dining area.

Savings $3,700/year on annual solid waste disposal fees!

Bessie the Cow Compost is used as comfy bedding for cows.

Campus Wide Support UI Sustainability Center $50,000: Composting equipment Campus Dining $3,000: Ecological blocks Environmental Science Department $20,000: Composting equipment ASUI $22,000: Conveyor and Mixer PREEC $15,000/year: Labor and equipment maintenance

Bob’s Place Bob’s Place Goes Tray-less Gallons of water saved: 30,000 16% reduction in waste stream

Room to Expand Einstein’s Denny’s Joe’s Café Campus Events Athletic Events

Lessons Learned Marketing and Signage is really important for success!

Lessons Learned Use classes to recruit volunteers!

Thank you!