Since September 1st, cafeterias from the National University (UNA) have banned the use of straws and disposable plastic packaging in food services.
This was agreed on August 9th in a regular session of the Institutional System of Cafeterias and Allies of the National University (SISAUNA), taking into account the environmental problem generated by disposable plastic products, which can remain unchanged for periods that can go between 100 and 500 years, because they break down very slowly.
In addition, this plastic is produced from fossil fuels derived from petroleum, which -according to SISAUNA- causes excessive pressure on limited non-renewable energy sources. Also, some of the chemicals used to make them are toxic.
The agreement aims to promote the use of compostable, cardboard or biodegradable packaging to pack take away food.
As an alternative to contribute to the solution of problems caused by disposable plastic products, they proposed using environmentally friendly disposable tableware, such as those made from compostable and biodegradable materials such as palm fiber and cane bagasse.
Since 2008, UNA banned the use of styrofoam packaging and related products in cafeterias to sell takeaway food, with the aim of reducing the amount of waste produced and promoting reusing and recycling.