I'm sure what good getting rid of trays is going to do???

If I were them, I'd be more concerned about getting rid of the "garbage" food that is being served all the across the nation.

Imagine how much better students could perform if they actually ate well!

Yuri
http://www.EatingforEnergy.ca

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I guess forcing students to not use trays was preferable to letting the students choose if they need one. Maybe even put up some signs suggesting this, if it is too routine to just grab a tray every time.

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That REALLY smacks of not seeing the big picture. The use of (per one of the above links) 200 gallons of water per 1000 meals served is a literal drop in the bucket compared to other acts that would have FAR broader impacts, such as using local growers, eating seasonally, etc. And I have a hell of a hard time understanding Sodexo and Aramark's backing of this plan in non-prix-fixe cafeterias. The idea sees harmless but ultimately pointless; a feel-good show of activism by some colleges and universities.

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Awful idea. This concept was recently covered in the State News, Michigan State's student paper. Students universally hate the idea. Most of us are getting in and trying to get out as fast as possible. Taking trays away? Doesn't help matters at all, especially when most of us are juggling a backpack, bag or something similar.

Also, I take issue with your statement of "I personally think that finding ways to prevent waste trumps any individual complaints". So no matter how many people complain, just because you think it's a grand idea it should happen? It seems to me you're not being very open to the opinions of others on how *their* world should work. I'm all for being environmentally friendly but if a population truly doesn't want to adopt something like this, they shouldn't be *forced into it*.

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I am a clumsy, awkward student and I fail to see the logic in getting rid of trays, especially consider the majority of college dining halls are designed around the notion that students use trays to get their food.

Not to mention that people dropping food because they don't have a tray certainly constitutes food waste. I can see what you're saying about individual complaints, but really, getting rid of trays might solve a problem, but it creates another one: how are students going to carry food, drinks, and silverware? Multiple trips are inconvenient and a hassle for everyone. You should be able to streamline the dining hall experience as much as possible, not make it more difficult for students.

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The whole point of the tray system is so you can efficiently slide it while putting your food on there. Getting rid of it just seems to be causing more inconvenience than it solves. Then again, it doesn't surprise me that colleges are switching over, and not for the bulls**t reason of saving water hence saving the environment. No, it's saving water with no intervention needed by them so as to save money.

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i hope not. what am i going to sled on this winter?

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Our AYCE cafeteria did away with trays. Before this, it was creepy posters with carrots glaring at you menacingly, reminding you to eat everything you got.

I don't like the lack of trays, because if I'm in a hurry, I have to make around five trips, since I never seem to get a full plate at any one place, just bits and pieces here and there.

And woe if you don't like something, now you have to balance 15 dishes and two cups to the one tray drop off, without spilling that slice of pie. Maybe it'd be better if they had more than one area, instead of the one that's usually at least a half a block away from anyone eating.

I think they're secretly training us to be waitstaff, so they can make us work for them for peanuts.

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At my university the students in residence (dorms) would steal cafeteria trays to use as toboggans. I never lived in the dorms so I missed this ritual. Taking away trays would make them have to get even more creative with their recreation. :)

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Cafeterias usually present individual food items on individual plates - so to get a meat/beans/fish serving, vegetable serving, bread/pasta/rice serving, and a drink - you need a tray, 5 hands, or multiple trips. Instead of focusing on the tray, they should look at the number of dishes they use.

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So, instead of a tray all food items will be encased in plastic and styrofoam?
Yeah, that's ALOT more environmentally conscious!

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Let's see---And you will carry your food - HOW??? Sounds like lots of spills to me! Unless you are going to wait on every table and bring them their food!! How ridiculous!

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But what will we sled on?

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No.

Just no.

They did this at my college when I was an undergrad. I appreciate the trying to save the environment part, I think they should even be optional.... but the fact is, when I had to run back and forth for each part of my meal I almost missed my next class... it takes a cr@ap load of time to get meals when you don't have a tray. Not to mention, while you might save water not washing the trays, washing the floor because of all the dropped dishes probably wasted a lot more. Dishes were too hot to carry and ended up splattered everywhere.

It's a good idea, but a flawed one.

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I have a wild idea... How about go to wal-Mart or somewhere like that and buy a tray and take it with you to school.... I have seen cafeteria like trays and they are very cheap....

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I think that this is a good idea for a couple different reasons. i am a cook so know about the cost of wasted food. if it helps to keep food waste down, then great. I have also worked in a cafeteria when i was in college and those trays use a lot of water when washing them. This knew rule is good for controlling conaservation and consumption. Every little bit helps.

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I think it's a good natured idea, but kind of silly in my opinion. I mean, without trays, what will college kids use to slide down the hills on snowy days? Trays aren't just used for cafeteria food, you know - college kids find many ingenious ways to reuse them - and isn't that one of the 3 R's? Reduce, Reuse, Recycle? It seems to me that trays are actually environmentally friendly.

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Why not get rid of plates and eating utensils why you're at it. This is a stupid idea that doesn't address the true reason of the problems. Saving water and avoiding food waste could be accomplished by informing people instead of taking away service items. What's next? Avoid showering or using the toilet?

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More insanity from the left....."Oh that carton of milk in my pocket?....I swear I wasn't trying to rip it off....I had no place to put it"

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I just think that this particular idea for conserving waste and water is not well thought through. I'd be afraid of hot liquid injuries for people, i.e. soup and coffee, and also the people with physical difficulties, not to mention agreeing with everyone here about the juggling, the time constraints, all the pressure with studying and paying colleges' exhorbitant fees,and now having to deal with more stress while trying to get a little midday fuel - just a little cruel, under the guise of good intentions.

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