My overall goal of this project was to initiate a change that would eliminate disposable plastic food containers from Union Station and reduce the amount of disposable cups used by Union Station.  Eliminating disposable plastic food containers is not as impactful as it initially sounds.  By eliminating these containers, money will be saved.  This money can be invested into the EcoTainer program so more of these containers are purchased.

           

          My people included management level faculty members that work in dining services, staff members who maintain the waste receptacle station at Union Station, faculty members at the Center for Sustainability Education, and students.  Fostering relationships with management level faculty members in dining services was most important for this project because they have the power to make the change I am seeking. My biggest ally was the Center for Sustainability Education. Their mission is to educate students about sustainability and this project addressed just that. They were in support of my goals of reducing disposable plastic waste across campus. My opponents included management level faculty members and possibly some students.  While management liked my proposed changes, I faced resistance related to costs and health standards for Cupanion. Dickinson has a rule stating students can’t bring their own drinkware to dining locations such as the Juice Bar because of the possibility of contamination or spreading of germs. While I have yet to pitch my proposed changes to many students, some students may be in opposition because they do not take change very well or this change could make it a little more difficult to eat on the go at Union Station until all the details are ironed out and the new system becomes effective.