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The Design and Implementation of a System to Combat Plastic Pollution in University Cafeterias
Summary
A university cafeteria project at UiTM Malaysia successfully reduced single-use plastic through systematic elimination and developed a replicable standard operating procedure, validated by a survey of 214 participants who identified plastic pollution as the most pressing environmental issue. This institutional intervention demonstrates a practical, scalable model for upstream plastic reduction at food service facilities, directly addressing a major source of the single-use plastic waste that ultimately fragments into environmental microplastics.
This is an innovative project aimed at developing a method to reduce or eliminate altogether single-use plastics in two cafeterias on Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Shah Alam campus. It is an effort to combat plastic pollution in the environment, which studies indicate is an increasing health and environmental concern. The methodology employed in this innovative project involves three main stages: firstly, the selection of an environmental issue that should be addressed. A survey among 214 participants in the university clearly identified plastic pollution as one that needed the most attention as well as a problem that could be resolved. Secondly, the implementation of two disposable plastic-free cafeterias which succeeded in reducing single-use plastic significantly, attesting to the fact that plastic pollution is indeed a problem that can be resolved. Finally, the formulation of a standard operating procedure (SOP) which contains steps to achieve a single-use plastic-free cafeteria. The significance of the project is the development of a system that could be replicated by food operators in all UiTM campuses and other institutions to become plastic-free eateries. The study ends with a recommendation that this SOP be adopted by all cafeterias throughout the country. The reduction in the use of plastics will help our Mother Earth sustain life.