January 2026 - Sustainability Blog

Happy New Year, Seahawks! As we enter 2026, Dining Sustainability encourages you to build habits that support the health and longevity of both you and our planet. In this letter, we’re focusing on how small, everyday choices can lead to big impacts, especially when we shift toward circular systems.

What Is a Circular System?

A circular system is a model of production and consumption that prioritizes reuse, recycling, repair, and regeneration. Instead of products being used once and thrown away, circular systems are designed to keep materials in use for as long as possible by giving them a second life. By extending the lifespan of materials, circularity reduces waste, conserves resources, and maximizes the value of what we already have.

How UNCW Dining Sustainability Powers Circular Systems.

At UNCW Dining, supporting circular systems is a key part of creating a more sustainable dining experience. We do this by diverting waste away from landfills, reducing single-use items, supporting reuse programs, and investing in local and responsible partnerships. These efforts help cut down on waste while making it easier for students to participate in sustainable practices on campus.

Dining Sustainability is here to support Seahawks as they build habits that contribute to a more circular campus, because sustainability works best when we all take part.

Promoting Reusables In and Out of Our Dining Halls.

Inside our dining halls, meals are served using durable, reusable dishes and cutlery, and any disposable items offered are compostable. Beyond dine-in meals, students can participate in our Choose to Reuse initiatives, which encourage swapping single-use items for reusable alternatives whenever possible .

For meals on the go, UNCW Dining also offers the USEFULL reusable to-go program, making it easy to take leftovers without relying on disposable containers. Simply check out a reusable container, enjoy your meal, and return it to keep the cycle going.

Supporting Local Economies.

UNCW Dining prioritizes working with local partners, as keeping sourcing closer to home is essential to building a more circular food system. By prioritizing local products, we help reduce transportation emissions, support responsible production practices, and keep resources circulating within our community. Behind the scenes, UNCW Dining partners with more than 150 local producers and suppliers, strengthening regional economies and ensuring that we help support jobs, businesses, and long-term sustainability in our area.

How to Get Involved!

You can start participating in circular systems today. Look for Dining Sustainability tabling events to pick up reusable dining items and learn more about our programs. When grabbing food to-go at Shore or Wagoner, try using USEFULL instead of disposable containers to reduce both food waste and single-use waste. By choosing reusables and avoiding single-use products whenever possible, you’re already adopting a circular mindset and helping create a more sustainable campus.