There are five UCSB Campus Dining cafes on campus: The Arbor, Coral Tree Cafe, The Store at Buchanan, Summit Cafe, and Courtyard Cafe. Each of these on-campus eateries has the same menu, offering a variety of beverages. Modifications to menu items, such as flavored syrups or an extra shot of espresso, are accompanied by a slight price increase.

One adjustment includes a $1.00 charge for using a milk substitute instead of regular dairy milk in a beverage. These substitutes include soy, almond, and oat milk. Milk substitutions replicate the taste of cow’s milk and have recently grown in popularity as they accommodate those unable to consume dairy.

The extra $1.00 charge, while seemingly minuscule, represents a larger issue among the student body — a lack of proper accommodations for a wide range of demographics. Those with dietary restrictions, whether due to allergens, dairy intolerances, or ethical reasons, must pay for something that is often out of their control.

Removing the extra charge will also encourage consumers to take a more sustainable approach to caffeine consumption. Dairy cows produce greenhouse gas emissions, and dairy products are often unsustainably sourced and produced (WWF). Plant-based milk releases about 70% fewer emissions, making it more environmentally sustainable than cow’s milk (Ethical Consumer). It is unfair to charge consumers extra for making a more environmentally conscious decision.

Additionally, an extra charge for milk substitutions is not feasible for the primary consumer base. Students and other members of the campus community might not be able to fit the $1.00 charge into their budget, preventing them from enjoying a beverage due to a lack of accommodation.

Join me in encouraging UCSB Campus Dining to remove the $1.00 milk substitution charge at on-campus cafes! Something as small as a menu adjustment can go a long way in creating a more accommodating campus culture for all individuals, along with encouraging a more sustainable approach to coffee consumption.