Sodexo is committed to improving the quality of daily life for people, whenever and wherever they come together. To that end, Sodexo was one of the first contract food service companies to partner with Food Alliance. This non-profit organization promotes sustainable agriculture by recognizing and rewarding farmers who produce food in environmentally friendly and socially responsible ways. Together, Sodexo and Food Alliance take responsibility for educating our customers and others in the food system about the benefits of sustainable agriculture.

Every day, we make choices in the food we buy and the food we eat. This directly impacts our lives- not just what we eat, but the water we drink, the air we breathe and the health of our communities. Our Food Alliance guiding principles are:

• Protecting and conserving water resources
• Protecting and enhancing soil resources
• Conserving and recycling nutrients
• Reducing the environmental and health impacts of pesticides by practicing Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Conserving and enhancing wildlife habitat
• Providing safe and fair working conditions for our employees and our families
• Producing Food Alliance certified crops without the use of genetically modified organisms (GMO's)
• Provide healthy and humane care for livestock
• Continually improving farming/ranching practices

Sodexo is committed to social responsibility, especially those surrounding our food supply. Everyday we make food choices. And, whenever possible, we will select foods that meet or exceed the standards set forth with the Food Alliance. So, be sure to look for the Food Alliance seal. It's better for you; better for the environment and better for our farmers. Please help us to improve the quality of daily life for the communities we serve. (more)

STOP Hunger: Since 1999, the Sodexo Foundation has been committed to being a driving and creative force that contributes to a hunger-free nation. In order to eliminate hunger that affects 36 million people in the U.S., we must fight its root causes... (more)

 Manufacturing Partners: Sodexo has been an active member of industry coalitions which encourage legislators, manufacturers and consumers to jointly develop rational, not reactionary, strategies to today's environmental needs... (more)

  Sodexo's Environmental Action Program is complex and multifaceted, offering solid information and tools to make our customers, clients, employees, and society at large aware of environmental problems and how they can help. (more)

We, UTEP Food Services have taken the following initiatives in order to improve our carbon footprint by reducing food, resource, energy and material waste, implementing methods for reusing materials, and an increasing our recycling efforts.

We appreciate your cooperation and partnership in improving our carbon footprint!

REDUCE

Condiment dispensing systems: In order to reduce paper, aluminum, plastic and food waste we have added Express Condiment Dispensing System at our retail locations and our concession locations. These new pumps encourage customers to only use as much condiments as they need, reducing both food and material waste. In addition, the containers are biodegradable.

Dairy pitchers: Dairy pitchers (milk, half & half, etc.) are available at both Jazzman's Cafe locations and Starbucks in place of individually packaged creamers to reduce food and material waste.

Xpressnaps: Xpressnap dispensers are another solution to reducing energy and waste. They save 30% in paper over traditional napkin dispensing mechanisms. These dispensers encourage customers to take (and waste) less napkins. Energy is saved because less power is used to recycle paper products than to create them from virgin material. According to Xpressnap, enough energy is saved through utilizing recycled napkins to power 600 American homes for an entire year! More than half a million gallons of oil are saved (38 tanker trucks worth), 41 tons of pollutants are kept out of the environment, and 4,131 cubic yards of paper were diverted from landfill space. Enough to cover an entire football field with a two and a half foot deep stack of paper!

Self service condiment bar: The self service condiment bar at Quiznos Sub (located at the El Paso Natural Gas Conference Center) has been moved behind the service counter. This initiative hopes to reduce the food and material waste caused by over estimating the quantity of condiments used. Please note that these popular condiments are still and always available, we will now serve them for you, and to you upon request.

Tortilla size: Our burritos are and always have been one of our most popular items. Through customer observations, we found that consumers were often tearing off and disposing of the folded tops and sides of the tortillas. To reduce this waste, we have gone from a 10 inch to an 8 inch tortilla. Please be assured that the portion size of the inside ingredients has remained the same (4oz to 6oz depending on the number of items).

Carbon emissions: To reduce the amount of carbon emissions released into our air we have reduced the number of scheduled deliveries from our vendors from 5 per week to 2 per week.

Local produce vendor: Through our partnership with our produce vendor, Produce Solutions, produce is acquired from the nearest farmers whenever possible. We always try to include seasonal, fresh fruits and vegetables on our menus.

Ecolab cleaning products: Ecolab creates solutions that maximize product and environmental performance. Ecolab is committed to providing customers with the most effective and efficient cleaning, food safety and infection control programs available. From concentrated, solid formulations to innovative packaging and dispensing methods, Ecolab products are designed to help increase safety, lower the use of water and energy, and reduce the chemicals and waste released to the environment.

Tighter system controls: System controls we have implemented to reduce additional waste have been stricter inventory guidelines and an increase in recipe/portion size preciseness. Not only do these items help us in the reduction of waste, they also ensure the maximization of product taste and quality.

REUSE

Reusable mugs: Our best solution for reducing the amount of product that we use and the amount of waste we generate is our Reusable Mug Program. Reusable mugs eliminate the need for single use containers therefore significantly reduce waste. Reusable coffee mugs are available for purchase at the Union Food Court, both Jazzman's Cafe locations (Academic Services Building & Library), Starbucks/Freshen's, Cafe a la Cart, Miner Stop, Pete's Pizza, and Healthy Corner.

Office paper supplies: We actively encourage all office employees to reuse printed paper when possible. By reprinting on the unused side of paper we are attempting to reduce the amount of paper waste in our offices.

Recycled/compostable disposable ware: Catering is now offering a new line of recycled and compostable disposable ware. From plates to cups to silverware this line is available to any event for an additional cost. Please contact our Catering department for more information on this option.

Recycled napkins: The napkins in our Xpressnap dispensers are made of 100% recycled paper.

RECYCLE

Increased recycling efforts: In partnership with the University, we have increased our efforts in recycling plastics, paper, cardboard, batteries, and printer cartridges.

ADDITIONAL EFFORTS

Fair Trade Coffee: Fair trade coffee is available daily at Jazzman's Cafe and at Starbucks. Visit  www.jazzmanscafe.com for this season's selection of Fair Trade coffee.