UC Davis Health’s reusable flatware initiative is entering its final phase for 2025, with a few more opportunities for staff, students and faculty to pick up a free utensil kit and join the effort to reduce single-use plastic waste.

Final distribution dates:

• Tuesday, Oct. 14, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
   
• Monday, Nov. 17, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
   
• Thursday, Dec. 11, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
   

Location: Medical Education Building breezeway (outside Scrubs Café)

Please bring your UC Davis Health badge. One kit per person; no pickups for others.

Building enduring habits

Since the program launched on July 1, more than 3,000 reusable utensil kits have been distributed, with up to 400 staff members visiting each pop-up. The impact has been clear:

• Nearly 9,000 fewer disposable utensils purchased compared to the same period last year
   
• Approximately $400 saved in supply costs
   
• 203 discounts applied for staff who brought their reusables and declined plastic utensils and straws
   
• Individual forks and spoons are available for 50 cents each for those who forget their kit, but still want to make a sustainable choice (132 forks and 253 spoons have been purchased so far)
   

These results highlight the power of small, everyday choices to reduce waste and support UC Davis Health’s broader sustainability goals.

Partnership with Scrubs Café

Martha Arias (left) and Ruzanna Muradyan at Scrubs Café

A critical part of this project’s success has been the partnership with the Scrubs Café staff, who have supported the initiative from day one.

Before launching, the Sustainability team met with café staff (many of whom have decades of service) to discuss concerns and make sure the transition wouldn’t create unnecessary stress at the front line.

“I have enjoyed helping people understand the purpose of this change and the benefits of waste reduction. Although change is hard for people at first, many understand the purpose and are excited, supportive and providing positive feedback.”
– Martha Arias, Scrubs Café employee