In doing so, we have strived to position ourself as a leader in developing innovative environmental programs within our department. Since 1990 Bowdoin College has managed a very successful refillable mug program. The Dining Service distributes, during Orientation Week, a free thermal mug to each first-year student. The cost of the mugs is absorbed entirely by Dining Service because we administer and reap the benefits of the program. Perhaps most importantly, since the program's conception we have experienced a heightened awareness of disposables usage by Bowdoin's students, faculty and staff.
Mugs are also available at our cash operations for sale to faculty and staff.
We are working with Capital City Transport from Augusta,Maine to implement a very successful composting program. Once the plastic bags fill up with food scraps, they are taken out ot the loading docks. On the loading docks are four 55-gallon plastic garbage cans labeled for food scraps. Each can has a tightly-fitting lid and bungy cords to prevent animals from getting to the contents. The staff weighs each bag before putting it in the appropriate can, and records the weights and other necessary information on a data sheet.