MTU strives for sustainability

By Ellen O’Brien

A Cork university has stopped providing disposable cups across all canteens and campuses.

This initiative, which began at Munster Technological University (MTU) recently, aims to further MTU’s goal of becoming a sustainability and climate action leader regionally, nationally and internationally.

It was introduced across several of MTU’s campuses like MTU Bishopstown, MTU Cork School of Music and MTU Crawford College of Art & Design in Cork city; the National Maritime College of Ireland in Ringaskiddy, and MTU Kerry North and MTU Kerry South campuses in Tralee.

Disposable cups can’t be easily recycled and can contribute to environmental pollution. The university hopes that by discontinuing the provision of disposable cups, plastic waste will be reduced and in turn contribute to the broader global efforts in the sustainable and responsible use of resources.

Staff and students on MTU campuses are encouraged to use their own reusable cups instead of disposable ones. Reusable cups will also be available to purchase from the campus canteen for a €2 refundable deposit.

Prof. Maggie Cusack, the President of MTU, welcomed the decision to stop providing disposable cups on campus.

She said: “This move to reusable cups is a positive step forward in MTU’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental leadership.’’

She also addressed the importance of the initiative to the university campuses: “By implementing this initiative, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also instilling a sense of responsibility and awareness among our university community.”

The discontinuation of disposable cups on MTU commenced on 8 February. The university aims for this initiative to reflect their aim to create a greener campus environment and to foster sustainable practices and attitudes among staff and students.