The university, as of late last month, is accepting all commingled containers number 1-7. The graphic here displays how that is indicated, usually on the bottom of the container. We recycle through Montgomery Regional Solid Waste Authority, or MRSWA, and their web page provides a very useful guide to what is recyclable and what is not.

Here are some highlights to guide your sustainable dining experience:

RECYCLE YOUR:

• water cups (new!)
• “Hokie Water” bottles (but buy a Dining Services bottle to save waste, work out better, and save money!)
• soda bottles
• glass bottles of any color
• aluminum foil
• aluminum cans

THROW AWAY:

• To-go boxes (try doing a Green to-go container instead!)
• straws
• plastic cutlery (use metal or make/buy your own kit)
• plastic wrap

NOTE:

• anything you place on a tray return will be sorted and recycled
• these rules apply all across campus in any bin
• mixed paper is separate from commingled containers, which is what includes glass and plastic

Thank you for reducing, reusing, and finally recycling your waste! Virginia Tech Dining is one step closer to a closed-loop system. Thank you for your care!

Questions, comments, suggestions on how to make recycling better in your dining centers? Please email greendining@vt.edu.

All of next week, D2 dining facility will be serving local, organic broccoli. The fresh veggies are from Appalachian Harvest farmers’ cooperative based out of Southwestern Virginia. Appalachian Harvest (a program out of non-profit Appalachian Sustainable Development) works to fortify the region’s food system with healthy, nutritious, organic foods. This broccoli will also be served at Farms & Fields, which serves local, organic broccoli every time it is served during harvest season (and organic when local is not available). This broccoli will be intermixed with the broccoli already coming in at this time of year from the Dining Services Garden at Kentland Farm.

This special week is part of our commitment to bring in local, organic, and/or sustainable food whenever we are able at Virginia Tech Dining Services. We are committed to serving you safe, nutritious, and environmentally conscious food.

Two groups came out this past weekend to lend a hand at the garden. We dug out about half of our sweet potatoes, soon to be enjoyed at Farms & Fields. Service groups Theta Tau (their first visit) and Circle K (a continuing contributor) brought about 20 students to work the ground. It was a great time for all and their service is greatly appreciated! Photos are courtesy Theta Tau and Circle K.

Circle K

Circle K

Staying in Blacksburg for Fall Break? Come on down to our apple harvest at Kentland Farm! Support the local foods program in Dining Services and learn valuable skills by lending a hand between 9am-12pm and/or 12:15pm-3:30pm. Limited transportation will be provided for those that reserve a spot by Thursday night (more information in the event’s “info” section), but all are welcome to come out. Directions coming soon via Facebook event.

Also be sure to “like” the Dining Services Garden Volunteer Page for more updates and opportunities.

Join us tomorrow (Friday) morning or afternoon at Kentland Farm!

We have two volunteer shifts available with limited transportation. Visit the Facebook Event (be sure to read the “about” section) for more information and instructions. Be sure to be a part of the group if you’d like to be in the loop for future opportunities!

A big thanks to Circle K International (CKI) at Virginia Tech for helping out at the Dining Services Garden at Kentland Farm this past weekend.

They harvested over 700 pounds of potatoes.

To have your group come out to the garden (and receive shout-outs here, at Farms & Fields, and at D2), email greendining@vt.edu.

Have a great week, everyone!

The meal will be Tuesday, September 13 at 6pm in Owens Banquet Room (next to Hokie Grill). Visit this link to learn more and to reserve your seat today.

The Dining Services Garden will have a table where you can talk to someone and learn all about volunteering. Also take the time to visit the Sustainable Food Corps at Virginia Tech and learn how you can get involved.

Join the Facebook event for details and cancellations, and read through the “more info” section for details.

Be sure to email the volunteer coordinators the night before to ensure and seat and confirm your attendance. Providing your own transportation and partial shifts ARE allowed, so long as you notify the appropriate party (listed in both the Tuesday and Wednesday volunteer block pages; note that they are different) so that they know that you are coming.

Hope to see you out at the garden!