I read with interest, the bold move taken by the entire 30,000-strong staff and students of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) to ban the use of polystyrene food containers on campus.
PENANG: Polystyrene food containers have been banned in Universiti Sains Malaysia’s main campus here with immediate effect as part of its move to be green.
USM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dzulkifli Abdul Razak said all the 32 cafeteria operators would stop using non-biodegradable styrofoam food containers as part of the university’s green campaign.
“We have also prohibited the use of styrofoam and other form of polystyrene material,” he said after opening the Sejahtera Cafe at the campus here Monday.
“From now on, the cafeteria operators must use eco-friendly biodegradable containers made of oil palm waste instead of the harmful styrofoam,” he said.
A study carried out on Saturday showed that of the 7,000 food containers used in the campus daily, only 1,000 were biodegradable.
Prof Dzulkifli said the operators had agreed to absorb the cost, adding that the biodegradable containers cost about 20 sen each while styrofoam containers cost about three or four sen each. There would be no increase in food prices.
“We encourage students to eat in cafeteria using washable plates instead of opting for take-away,” he said.
Prof Dzulkifli said the ban on styrofoam would later be extended to the USM health campus in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, and engineering campus in Nibong Tebal, Seberang Prai Selatan.
The initiative to stop the use of styrofoam was mooted by the students to promote a better future.
“All the 30,000 USM staff and students are the catalyst for the initiative,” he said.
During the function, “The White Coffin” signature campaign was launched for USM students and staff to pledge their commitment to support sustainable initiatives to reduce adverse impact on environment.
“We are also seriously conducting research to produce biodegradable plastics. Our aim is to eliminate all types of substances that are unfriendly towards Mother Nature,” Prof Dzulkifli said.
He said 25 students from Taiwan who visited USM recently had shown that a change in attitude and mindset was possible.
“The Taiwanese students brought with them reusable chopsticks and foldable containers. The students did not even have to use the plates provided during meals.
“The students washed the containers and chopsticks for subsequent use,” he added.
It is really heartening to see, and learn that there are indeed people who care for the environment and are willing to take the necessary actions to ensure that we do not fill our landfills with non-biodegradable food containers.
Look at it this way: The cafeteria operators have agreed to absorb the cost and switch to using biodegradable food containers that cost 5 times more expensive than the polystyrene containers AND best of all, there would be no increase in the price of food! WooHoo!
Somebody ought to learn from them! 
Now, here’s a poll to see what my readers think about the move to ban polystyrene food containers in cafeterias/canteens. Results of the poll will be discussed next week!
If you think this post might benefit other bloggers:
Yes. POLYSTYRENE FOOD CONTAINERS SHOULD BE BANNED, NOT ONLY IN CAFETERIAS AND CANTEENS BUT EVERY WHERE ELSE!
I usually bring my plastic container to the cafeteria downstairs to pack my lunch/dinner. You may feel awkward when others are looking at you one kind, but who cares? You’re saving the environment, you know?
I voted.
But, I am guilty of using the plastic microwaveable containers to ‘ta-pau’ food sometimes. Though may I say in my favor that I don’t throw them away, but reuse them in my home.
rinnah’s latest blog post: What floats your resolution boat?
Not something that i expect a local university to do
quite unexpected! But this will certainly set the trend for others to follow suit.
“He said 25 students from Taiwan who visited USM recently had shown that a change in attitude and mindset was possible.”
If other nations are able to do this, why not us too.
Two thumbs up from me
pktan’s latest blog post: Car Rental
Yeah, this is certainly good news. Polystyrene doesn’t just pollute the environment, polystyrene migrates into your food / water much faster than any other known thermoplastics, causing hormonal disruption in human body. By using polystyrene regularly, one is actual committing suicide.
I wonder when UTM will follow USM’s footsteps…
ColourfulWorld’s latest blog post: (STICKY) The 1st Youth Entrepreneur Convention 2008
Wow, that’s cool!
There is still so much to do in North America… lots of waste, I’m telling you!
Zhu’s latest blog post: Seven Things About Myself
UMS banned polystyrene earlier by about 3 months. Students need to pay 50sen for a plastic microwaveable pack to encourage them to bring their own tupperware.
I just wonder how enforcible is that
They may just wrap everything in plastic bags
yenjai.net’s latest blog post: Crowded
It become a popular thing in most restaurant in Sri Lanka. It more of an infection. Most well know places using these not knowing how much damage these container can do to the environment.
DeepFreeze’s latest blog post: A Notepad & A Pen
how i wish more malaysia-based companies/institutions are doing tat….or at least, learn from them
Alvin’s latest blog post: PTPTN = sucking my $$ dry
Hii!! This is really funny because the cafeteria at my job is now no longer giving out the regular containers for food. Everyone must eat on a plate or a plastic container. I think that they are trying to do the same thing here…
It is heartening to hear such things. I’m a strong supporter of a Green Environment.
I was very impressed with Taiwan’s green efforts. Singapore is catching up. I hope more countries would follow.
eastcoastlife’s latest blog post: Warding off Evil Spirits in Hotel Rooms
We should all just go back to the Dark Ages and eat with our hands!
This is a good step to save the environment.
I wonder, when will they implement this at UMT?
littlebro’s latest blog post: f e e l i n g s