Embrace Reuse

Start here: Reduce your single-use waste with free, reusable utensil kits

UC Davis Sustainability and Student Housing and Dining Services are partnering to provide free reusable utensil kits to students and employees as part of ongoing Zero Waste efforts. Learn more about our Zero Waste goals.

Next time you're enjoying lunch from one of the yummy eateries or food trucks on campus, picnicking with friends, or eating a meal on the go, reach for your trusty reusable utensils instead of a single-use plastic set.

Reusable utensils, including two straws, a straw cleaner, a pair of chopsticks, a knife, a spoon and a fork

What's in the kit?

Utensil kits include reusable stainless steel utensils — a knife, fork, spoon, chopsticks, a straight straw, a bent straw and a straw cleaner — all in a neoprene carrying case.

Where do you get one?

The kits will be given out at tabling events hosted in student dining halls, at restaurants and near food trucks on campus. See all upcoming events to pick up your utensils.

Taking care of your utensils

When you've got your utensils, we want to make sure you know how to take care of them. When you're out and about you're not usually going to have access to a kitchen sink and dish soap to wash your utensils after eating. No worries! The material for the carrying case, neoprene, was specifically chosen because it’s breathable and easy to clean. This means any bits of food that might be left on your utensils after use will dry out while in the case. Then you can wash any dirty utensils (and the case as needed) once you’ve got access to a sink or dishwasher.

Step 1:

Use your reusable utensils instead of reaching for single-use utensils. Once you're done, wipe off your utensils if you’re able to and put them back into your case.

Step 2:

When you’re back home, wash your utensils, and your carrying case.

Step 3:

Once everything’s dry, put your utensils back in the carrying case and the case back in your bag.

#ZeroWasteUCD

Snap a picture of the food or views you're enjoying with your reusable utensils and share it using the hashtag #ZeroWasteUCD.

Additional resources

Get your free kit this spring!

Person reaches for a reusable utensil kit, piled on a table

Tabling @ Scrubs Cafe

Get your free set of stainless steel utensils and reduce your waste on campus.

UC Davis Farmer's Market

Learn about sustainability initiatives at UC Davis, including zero waste, decarbonization, green workplace and how to incorporate sustainability into your life on campus.

Tabling @ Silo

Get your free set of stainless steel utensils and reduce your waste on campus.

Can't attend an in-person giveaway event? Request your utensil set here!

Other Ways to Reduce Waste!

Help UC Davis meet its goals on waste reduction and zero waste! Divert waste properly with these resources.

Campus Community Resources

On Campus Student Housing Resources (including The Green)

FAQ

Why should I use reusable utensils?
Single use items, like the utensils that typically come with takeout, create waste that can often be easily avoided. As part of the University of California systemwide effort to go Zero Waste, the UC Davis Sustainability and Student Housing and Dining Services want to encourage the campus community to reduce their waste by choosing reusables instead of single-use items.
What is 'Zero Waste'?
The University of California defines Zero Waste as diverting at least 90% of total waste away from landfill, while also reducing the amount of waste generated per person.
Why is 'Zero Waste' important?
Waste contributes to climate change with carbon emissions arising from all stages of the life cycle of materials and products that end up in landfill, never to be used again.
Landfill has many negative environmental impacts including the destruction of natural habitats, production of gases that are causing climate change, and the potential to contaminate local water sources. Landfill sites also negatively impact communities living nearby, causing health problems, reducing quality of life through noise, bad smells and pests, and reducing land/property values.
Also, waste is expensive! Waste often means you pay for a product twice (or three times) – you pay to buy it, you pay to dispose of it and then you pay to replace it. Reusable items mean only buying once.
How else can I contribute to 'Zero Waste'?
The most effective way is through reducing the amount of waste we create in the first place. For example, in addition to picking up a resuable utensil kit, carry a reusable water bottle to fill up at water refill stations across campus and avoid buying single use plastic water bottles. When you do create waste, be sure to compost and recycle wherever possible. Find more actions you can take to reduce waste, especially on campus.
What has UC Davis done to reduce its waste so far?
UC Davis is committed to becoming Zero Waste because we believe that reducing waste and keeping materials out of landfill is the right thing to do for the environment and for society. Find out how we're reducing, reusing, recycling and composting.

Recycle from A-Z

Our single-use items aren't helping the fight against climate change but there are easy hacks to reduce and reuse. Watch this video produced by the University of California in partnership with Vox for tips!