Dear Editor,

UCSD implemented a new program this semester in an attempt to be more environmentally friendly and sustainable in our operations. We now offer compostable plates, cups and flatware instead of plastic or Styrofoam. We polled students last quarter about our operations and one of the issues that often arose was our usage of plastics and other Earth-unfriendly items.

We found that students have resisted our efforts and now are taking our ceramic plates, cups and metal silverware from the dining halls at astonishing rates. We have lost thousands of plates, cups and silverware in the first week alone. Because of the alarming rate of loss I am reaching out to you to please help spread a simple message. We don’t expect students to return our property. The university has numerous locations around campus where these items can be left. If these locations cannot be found, students can leave their items outside their rooms and we will gladly pick them up. What we ask is that they please do not discard their items into the trash! Please help us in our efforts to reduce unnecessary waste and operate in a more sustainable fashion. Together we can make a difference.

— Tim Kubota
Production Manager,
Oceanview Terrace