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Weigh the Waste

What is Weigh the Waste?

Photo from a Weigh the Waste event, the text says, "come see Green Campus at our final Weigh the Waste Event of the semester!", the location was at the J dining hall
Photo from Weigh the Waste, April 25, 2023

Weigh the Waste is a program put on by Green Campus which is designed to educate individuals on food waste reduction. The events are hosted on campus in the J Dining Hall, where members of the team collect food waste data while they spread awareness of the importance of the reduction of food waste. Diners are asked to participate by having their food waste weighed and are also requested to share reasons as to why they have food waste. Green Campus utilizes the data to calculate the average weight of food waste per individual in the J Dining Hall along with generalized reasons why the food waste was generated, such as the flavor of the food.

When participants approach the table at Weigh the Waste events, they are asked to have their food waste scraped into a bowl so a team member at the event can get the weight of the food waste. Participants are asked about reasons as to why the food waste was generated, and they have an opportunity to ask any of the team members questions they may have involving the event. The responses from the participant are recorded onto a spreadsheet that Green Campus can utilize to calculate food waste trends. After the participant has their food waste weighed, they are encouraged to participate in the spin-the-wheel game to learn more about global food waste trends and to have a chance at winning a prize. Participants with no food waste are welcome to play the game as well.

Pictures of the table from a Weigh the Waste event, the photo shows the setup of the event, an area for weighing food waste, and an area for participating in a spin-the-wheel game
Photos from Weigh the Waste, March 28th, 2023 

How does one get involved?

Sign up to volunteer with Green Campus at the Weigh the Waste events through this form, or by scanning the QR code below. Stay up to date on information for upcoming events by following the Green Campus Instagram or signing up for the Sustainability newsletter.

The upcoming dates for Weigh the Waste during the Fall 2023 semester are as follows:

  • August 31st
  • September 28th
  • October 26th
  • November 30th
Photo of QR code that links to the Weigh the Waste volunteer form

How does Weigh the Waste benefit Cal Poly Humboldt?
 

Diners have an opportunity to engage with Green Campus members in order to learn more about global food waste trends along with food waste trends in the J Dining Hall. Participants can request to know the average food waste per individual in the J Dining Hall, along with their own food waste weight, to put into perspective the amount of food waste they generate. Green Campus collects data and presents the findings to staff and faculty in the Dining team to suggest improvements that can be implemented to benefit the Cal Poly Humboldt dining experience. 

Goals of the Program

The primary focus of this program is to spread awareness and educate individuals on the importance of the reduction of food waste in order to reduce the volume of food waste on campus. Participants can learn global and local food waste trends to further broaden their understanding of why food waste is generated and what can be done to reduce or redirect the waste.