The University of Pittsburgh is proud to participate in Campus Sustainability Month throughout October. This annual event, hosted by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), celebrates higher education sustainability achievements while raising awareness of the value of sustainability in higher education.
To kick off the celebration, Pitt is highlighting sustainable dining initiatives, including the University's commitment to the Coolfood Pledge, a global initiative led by the World Resources Institute that helps organizations reduce the climate impact of the food they serve by setting targets to cut food-related greenhouse gas emissions. We’ll also talk about our efforts to reduce food waste through food recovery and on-campus anaerobic food digesters, how to compost, and highlight climate-friendly menu choices when you dine, alongside events happening across campus.
Sustainable Dining Initiatives
At Pitt we strive to build food systems that minimize waste, strengthen local communities, and support a healthy body and planet through sustainable sourcing, mindful dietary practices, and innovative waste solutions. These efforts support the Pitt Sustainability Plan Food Systems goals: reducing greenhouse gas emissions per plate 38% by 2030, sourcing 30% of food and beverages locally or sustainably, and offering reusable to-go containers at over 50% of dining locations.
Coolfood Pledge
Pitt was one of the first universities worldwide to join the Coolfood Pledge in 2019. For 2024, Pitt’s food-related greenhouse gas emissions “per plate” were down 34.76% from a 2017 baseline, outperforming other higher education Pledge members. This progress has been supported by increased plant-based options across dining facilities, including renovations to The Eatery that make choosing sustainable meals easier. Learn more about the Coolfood Pledge here.
Fighting Food Waste
Pitt is tackling food waste through multiple approaches. Ecotone Renewables’ ZEUS anaerobic digesters convert food waste into a nutrient-rich fertilizer called “Soil Sauce.” The first ZEUS unit was installed at Posvar Hall in 2024, with a second added at Sutherland Hall to help Pitt reach its carbon neutrality goal by 2037.
Since 2014, Pitt’s student-led Food Recovery Heroes have recovered over 250,000 pounds of surplus food, providing more than 188,000 meals to community members.
Campus composting is also expanding, with the goal of diverting 50% of food waste by 2025. Compost collection locations accept all food waste along with items like pizza boxes, paper towels, and certified compostable products.
Reuse on Campus
Pitt encourages reuse first through initiatives like USEFULL stainless steel to-go containers, available for free checkout at The Eatery and The Perch, and BYO[Cup], which rewards bringing your own cup with discounted beverages. These initiatives help customers reduce single-use packaging waste by providing or enabling the use of reusable to-go food packaging or drink containers.
Climate Friendly
Students can look for the world icon on our Dine on Campus app to identify which items are Climate Friendly. Powered in partnership with HowGood, this icon allows students to see which meals have lower relative social and environmental impacts so they can make more informed choices. Learn more about HowGood labels here.
Campus Sustainability Month Events
Follow Pitt Sustainability and Pitt Eats on social media for updates on events and ways to participate throughout October.
SOOS First Thursday - Food Justice
Thursday, October 2 | 8:30 – 10 pm | WPU 510
How to Grow Your Green Lab Webinar
Wednesday, October 8 | 12 – 1 pm | Virtual
Seeds & Seasons: Fall Tree Walk
Thursday, October 9 | 12 pm & 3 pm | Cathedral Lawn
SOOS Wellness Wednesday - Food Justice & Wellbeing
Wednesday, October 15 | All day | WPU 510
Pitt Public Market
Wednesday, October 15 | 10:30 am – 2 pm | Gallagher Plaza
Green Games: Women's Soccer vs NC State
Friday, October 17 | 7 pm | Ambrose Urbanic Field
Plant-Forward Lunch with Pitt Eats
Wednesday, October 22 | 11:30 am – 4 pm | The Eatery
Pitt Eats Sustainability Tour
Thursday, October 23 | 11 am – 12 pm | The Eatery
Green Games: Men's Soccer vs Wake Forest
Friday, October 24 | 7:30 pm | Ambrose Urbanic Field
Plant2Plate Harvest Festival
Sunday, October 26 | 7 – 10 pm | Oakland Urban Farm
Pitt Public Market
Wednesday, October 29 | 10:30 am – 2 pm | Gallagher Plaza
SOOS Advocacy and Activism Panel & Networking Event
Wednesday, October 29 | 4 – 6:30 pm | WPU Dining Room A
SOOS ReuseFest: Halloween Edition
Friday, October 31 | 10 am – 1 pm | WPU Plaza
Sign up to volunteer for this event here
Thriftsburgh Halloween Event
Friday, October 31 | 12 – 4 pm | O’Hara Student Center, Room 111