Our sustainability initiatives
Sustainability is a core value at Ontario Tech and a key pillar of our long-term strategy. We have introduced a range of initiatives aimed at reducing our environmental impact and supporting a more circular economy.
From repurposing used chopsticks into functional materials to reusing kitchen resources and choosing energy-efficient, recycled products—we are committed to integrating sustainability into our daily operations. These creative efforts reflect our ongoing dedication to waste reduction and environmental responsibility.
Turning waste into worth!
For our latest effort, we are proud to partner with ChopValue in giving chopsticks a second life. Instead of discarding them, we collected and recycled them into durable, functional products, including the below point of sale counter and soup station in Hunter’s Kitchen—made entirely from compressed, recycled chopsticks.
Other ways we are reducing waste—one step at a time
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Farm fresh food
Hunter’s Kitchen proudly incorporates farm-fresh ingredients from Windfields Farm whenever available, bringing locally grown flavour straight to campus.
Seasonal produce like apples, tomatoes, and herbs such as sage, basil, and rosemary are used across our menu—from comforting apple crisp to house-made soups and daily specials. Sourcing ingredients from Windfields Farm supports sustainable food practices by reducing transportation emissions, minimizing waste, and strengthening our connection to local agriculture.
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Fresh Orange Juice by JusFres
The orange rinds from our freshly squeezed juice machines are collected and sent to local organic waste facilities, where they are composted or recycled for agricultural use. In the long term, JusFres plans to turn our orange waste into valuable resources for new product creation, such as orange peel powder and natural detergents.
By partnering with JusFres, we are aligning ourselves with our key mission, which is to contribute to a more sustainable and eco friendly future.
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Reusing resources in our kitchen
In our kitchens, we re-filter and reuse cooking oil instead of disposing of it after a single use. This practice reduces waste and ensures we are maximizing the efficiency of our resources — one small step with big environmental benefits.
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Saving energy with every snack
All of our vending machines are equipped with energy-efficient LED lighting, significantly reducing energy consumption compared to traditional lighting. This small but impactful change helps lower our overall energy footprint while supporting the University’s sustainability goals.
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Supporting the circular economy
We are intentional about the packaging materials we choose to help reduce waste. For example, our Coca-Cola bottles are made from recycled plastics, reducing the need for new plastic production and supporting broader recycling efforts. By selecting products with recycled content, we help promote a more sustainable supply chain and reduce our environmental impact.
These are just a few of the many ongoing sustainability initiatives we are committed to. As we continue to grow, we will keep finding new ways to incorporate embed sustainability into our operations and demonstrate our care for the planet. Together, these efforts help us build a more responsible, resilient, and environmentally conscious future.