The University of Padova reduces plastic to protect the environment
17.07.2019
In line with the actions foreseen by the University's Charter of Sustainability Commitments, the University of Padova officially approves the "Plastic free UniPD" project that aims to reduce plastic in the beverage and food service industry.
The University project involves three points:
- installing dispensers of filtered water to eliminate single use plastic water bottles
- distributing reusable water bottles to the university community
- replacing plastic cups with a more sustainable option for hot drinks
The Conference for Italian University Rectors (CRUI) has spoken out on the use of disposable plastics by joining the #StopSingleUsePlastic campaign and signing a memorandum along with Marevivo (a non-profit environmental association) and CoNISMa (National Interuniversity Consortium for Sea Sciences). With this memorandum, Marevivo, CoNISMa, and CRUI have committed themselves to a mutual relationship of collaboration in the field of raising awareness and education for environmental protection.
In the University of Padova will begin with the first of the three phases by installing dispensers of filtered water for all students and staff.
The University of Padua currently uses 144 suppliers to distribute hot and cold food and drinks in various locations across the city, and an estimated 350,000 plastic bottles sold annually. The distribution of plastic bottles from university suppliers will be reduced while water dispensers that are connected to the urban water system are installed to ensure proper filtration and refrigeration.
