Photo by Ali Meizels ‘23
By Cayley Delancey ’22
At the beginning of the 2021 fall semester, Dining Services announced an upcoming partnership with USEFULL, a company run by a Mount Holyoke alumna, Alison Rogers ’12. USEFULL works to reduce waste and positively impact consumption patterns by providing a sustainable, reusable alternative to single-use takeout products. USEFULL claims that switching to their reusable containers can save colleges an estimated 50 - 84 percent on the cost of single-use to-go packaging.
While the USEFULL containers were originally scheduled to debut in Blanchard Hall in early October 2021, as announced in a Dining Updates email sent on Aug. 18, 2021, the program did not begin until just before the start of spring break. The program’s implementation was delayed due to supply chain and manufacturing issues, according to Rich Perna, director of Dining Services at Mount Holyoke.
Reusable insulated cups are available for students to borrow behind the entrance station at the Dining Commons. Perna stated that the rest of the containers would be introduced in stages based on the availability of dining staff to wash containers after each use. Perna said that while it’s difficult to provide an accurate number of disposable containers used per day due to constant fluctuation, the school plans to transition to 100 percent reusable containers and phase out compostable containers entirely.
Some students have reacted positively to the new system. Lillian Stone ’25 said that she likes the new containers. “[They’re] super useful when needed,” Stone said. “Getting a takeout box would be super good too.”
Photo by Ali Meizels ‘23
Students must download the USEFULL app to check out reusable containers and have a camera that can scan QR codes to go through the checkout process. Containers must be returned, emptied and with the lid on, placed into a bin at the dining swipe-in island. While returning the containers, students must scan the QR code on the Blanchard iPads before dropping them in the deposit bin.
The program is free for students to participate in, but containers must be returned to the dining hall within 48 hours to avoid incurring a charge. Late returns will be charged $1.00 per day. Perna said that while silverware will not be provided through USEFULL, students will be able to borrow Blanchard silverware, which can be returned with the USEFULL containers.