The number of food containers being thrown away was reaching pretty serious proportions. OZZI is here with the solution
Siena Fresh has just introduced OZZI, a system that eliminates traditional disposable takeout containers. AVI Foodsystems has contracted with the Rhode Island-based company to offer students reusable containers for their meals in Lonnstrom Dining Hall.
OZZI is a closed loop system where students will fill a container with food and take their meal to go. Once you finish your meal, just return the container to the OZZI machine in Lonnstrom. The collection cart creates an easy system for dining services to clean them, and you will be issued a credit for a new container with your return. The next time you come in for a to-go meal, just swipe your card and receive a new container.
By eliminating so many cardboard and foam containers, the Siena community will help reduce landfill waste and save on waste hauling costs. An average student would use about five single-use containers each day. Multiply that by 3,200 students, seven days a week, and the impact is pretty clear (112,000, by the way).
Resident Director of Siena Fresh Rachel Jones (above with OZZI) explained that Siena is lucky to have access to this reusable container system at this time. She said the supply chain of single-use containers and other one-time use dining implements is virtually broken because of the pandemic, much the same as it was for toilet paper back in the spring.
The Siena student government supports the new reusable container system.