Over the last semester, there was a switch from reusable to disposable dinnerware at the Evans Dining Hall at Lindenwood University. Seeing the waste being produced from only one meal, Lindenwood students decided disposible dinnerware to be ecologically irresponsible. We the undersigned request bringing back the dinnerware previously used, as the resources are already available at Evans Commons. We also request Lindenwood University to consider using reusable dinnerware on the whole campus.

After contacting the university with these concerns, they tried arguing that they use recyclable dinnerware. However, the waste in the dining halls is not being separated properly, with plastic cutlery, paper plates and food waste being thrown into one bin. The lack of separation makes it impossible to recycle this waste. Even with recyclable dinnerware being used, the amount of waste being generated daily, is immense. Using environmentally friendly soap to clean resuable plates and cups would be a better solution. They also mentioned that they cannot find enough student workers willing to wash dishes, but those jobs could be a good opportunity for people in the community of St. Charles in need of employment. The university is also trying to switch the dining offers to a "retail-concept", using this to argue that reusable dinnerware does not meet the standards of those retail companies. However, just because it is a standard in chain restaurants to use disposable dinnerware, it is not necessary for a university campus to follow this ecologically unfriendly model.

With climate change progressing, it is necessary that we do everything possible to protect the environment. Lindenwood University has a responsibility of teaching students outside of the classroom on how to protect the environment and develop into responsible citizens.