Our sustainability initiatives
Sustainability is a core value at Ontario Tech and a key pillar of our long-term strategy. We have introduced a range of initiatives aimed at reducing our environmental impact and supporting a more circular economy.
From repurposing used chopsticks into functional materials to reusing kitchen resources and choosing energy-efficient, recycled products—we are committed to integrating sustainability into our daily operations. These creative efforts reflect our ongoing dedication to waste reduction and environmental responsibility.
Turning waste into worth!
For our latest effort, we are proud to partner with ChopValue in giving chopsticks a second life. Instead of discarding them, we collected and recycled them into durable, functional products, including the below point of sale counter in Hunter’s Kitchen—made entirely from compressed, recycled chopsticks.
Other ways we are reducing waste鈥攐ne step at a time
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Reusing resources in our kitchen
In our kitchens, we re-filter and reuse cooking oil instead of disposing of it after a single use. This practice reduces waste and ensures we are maximizing the efficiency of our resources — one small step with big environmental benefits.
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Saving energy with every snack
All of our vending machines are equipped with energy-efficient LED lighting, significantly reducing energy consumption compared to traditional lighting. This small but impactful change helps lower our overall energy footprint while supporting the University’s sustainability goals.
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Supporting the circular economy
We are intentional about the packaging materials we choose to help reduce waste. For example, our Coca-Cola bottles are made from recycled plastics, reducing the need for new plastic production and supporting broader recycling efforts. By selecting products with recycled content, we help promote a more sustainable supply chain and reduce our environmental impact.