Whether you are using OHIO Catering or working with a local vendor, consider the following tips to maximize sustainable choices.
Ordering Food
Explain your Green Event goals when ordering food and make sure your food supplier is committed to helping you achieve those goals.
- If using OHIO Catering, request a “Zero Waste Event”.
- Note: If your event is planned for an Ohio University venue and you are budgeting more than $250 for food, you are required to use OHIO Catering.
Exemptions to this policy are possible by filling out the “Food Policy Exemption Form" .
Food and Beverage Selection
- Request seasonal and local foods to reduce transportation emissions.
- Go vegetarian or vegan! Plant-based products have a lower carbon footprint.
- Consider supplementing the dishes with locally sourced foods to support local farming. Make sure to discuss with OHIO Catering if you choose to do so.
OHIO Catering offers local and seasonal options from the Student Farm and other nearby farms! Contact the Senior Catering Manager at 740.593.4035 at least one week in advance of your event to request local options.
Waste Reduction
- Request buffet-style displays instead of individually packaged foods or boxed lunches to reduce packaging waste.
- Consider serving appetizers or small bites that only require serving utensils, if hand sanitizer or handwashing is available.
- Request containers of bulk beverages (e.g., lemonade, iced tea, water) instead of cans or bottles.
- Request reusable china or compostable service ware for your order.
- Avoid all polyethylene products (a.k.a. Styrofoam), or anything that is not recyclable or compostable.
- Request linens instead of paper napkins when possible.
- Request to serve condiments in pumps/refillable containers rather than in individual packets (e.g., ketchup, salt and pepper, sugar).
- If serving coffee, offer creamer in pitchers to reduce single-use containers and request wooden stir sticks instead of plastic.
- Make sure you have ordered the correctly sized recycling, compost, and landfill bins for your event. You can find more information about this process in the waste management section.
Plastic products are produced from petroleum and can take more than 1,000 years to break down. Using plant-based or reusable products is a much more sustainable option!