A step toward sustainability: Examining Ohio State’s expanded efforts to track food waste

Emma Dawson
Fri, 25 Apr 2025 04:32:43 +0000
Campus, Instagram Page, News, Special Projects, college food waste, food waste, landfill diversion, Ohio State food waste, ohio state zero waste, The Lantern, The Lantern special projects, traditions at scott, union market, zero waste

The all-you-care-to-eat dining hall is one of the most common elements of the American college experience.?

For many Ohio State students, it takes just a single swipe of a BuckID, and a seemingly endless supply of food appears. Trays upon trays of various menu items come into view, offering everything from a custom salad bar to tacos and churros, all the way to a self-serve ice cream station — free for the taking.

From the early hours of the morning until well into the evening, these trays are constantly replenished, so no student is left wanting without their favorite meal. Second, third and fourth helpings turn all-you-care-to-eat into all-you-can-eat in the blink of an eye.