Sustainability Initiatives - Dining skip to main content Dining Where to Eat Student Meal Plans Sustainability Initiatives Catering Health & Safety Contact SearchSearch Menu Close Where to Eat Student Meal Plans Sustainability Initiatives Catering Health & Safety Contact SearchSearch Dining Homepage / Sustainability Initiatives Sustainability Initiatives CDS is continuously making innovative improvements to campus dining options. Check out the ways we are striving to make a difference below. Reusable Cutlery and Plates Choose sustainability at mealtime with our reusable cutlery and plate! Our high-quality, local suppliers provide eco-friendly reusable utensils and plates that can be used again and again. Help reduce waste and make a positive impact on the environment by choosing our reusable Cutlery and Plates Today! Embracing Sustainability Image Lightbox Purchasing Locally and Responsibly We purchase locally and organically. Coffee on Caltech's campus is provided by Pasadena's Jones Coffee Roasters. Jones is committed to the traceability of the coffees they roast and to the growers’ sustainable farming practices. It is a belief that socially responsible farms consistently produce better coffee. All produce is purchased locally from Produce Services of LA reducing our supply chain carbon impact. Image Lightbox Offering Sustainable to-go Containers CDS uses to-go containers made from bio renewable pulp content (Bagasse - 100% sugar cane pulp). It's 100% recyclable, compostable, and biodegradable within 90 days compared to the estimated 400 years it takes for plastic to degrade. Image Lightbox We are a Plastic Straw-Free Campus Using 100% recyclable drink containers CDS has also replaced straws with straw-less lids. Paper straws are available upon request. Image Lightbox Facility Energy Reduction A recently installed dishwasher at Browne Dining Hall has drastically reduced our water waste and integrated low energy advancements and the lowest amp load. Cardboard from shipping and packaging is also recycled through Caltech's Central Plant. Image Lightbox Commitment to Composting At Browne Dining Hall Kitchen, Broad Kitchen, Avery Kitchen and Student Kitchens we're committed to sustainability, including composting food waste. We turn food waste into nutrient-rich soil to reduce our environmental impact and promote a healthier planet. Choose to dine sustainably with us and make a positive impact on the environment. Image Lightbox California Institute of Technology 1200 East California Boulevard Pasadena, California 91125 Digital Accessibility | Privacy Notice | Site Content Copyright © 2026 | Log In