Eco-Clamshell

Background

In July of 2007 Eckerd College was awarded a grant from the Environmental Research and Education Foundation to pursue the production of a reusable to-go container and system. This project developed from an Introduction to Environmental Studies audit conducted in the fall of 2004.

What is Reusable To-go and Why Does it Work?

Each year millions of clamshell polystyrene (Styrofoam) disposable containers end up in a landfill. This issue can be solved by implementing a reusable to-go system.  The reusable to-go system consists of a durable, dishwasher-safe, hinged lid container called the “EcoClamshell.” Students check out the container from the cafeteria and return it later where it is then sanitized and put back out for reuse.

The reusable to-go system is a new model for waste reduction. This closed loop system minimizes the production of to-go containers, uses a product that can be recycled at the end of its lifespan, and cuts down on the amount of plastic material entering the landfill. The “EcoClamshell” was created with all of these points in mind.

The system is also an opportunity to incorporate recycling education into daily life. As individuals use these containers in place of the disposable alternative, they learn that sustainable solutions do not necessarily entail inconvenience. The system works in exactly the same fashion as its disposable counterpart.

Environmental Benefits of Program

• These containers are manufactured and shipped less frequently than disposables.
• Fewer natural resources are used because of the longer lifespan (years instead of a day).
• The waste generated by disposable containers is avoided.

Download the Eco-Clamshell Handbook (PDF)
How to Implement a "Reusable To-go Program"
September 2009

In the News

Beyond Disposables:Eco-Clamshell Reusable To-Go Program
Environmental Research and Education Foundation (EREF)

Takeout, eco-style
Ashland Daily Tidings
November 5, 2009

Going Green One Meal at a Time
Fox 13
May 1, 2008

To-Go Containers Keep Going
Saint Petersburg Times
April 19, 2008

At Eckerd, Eco To Go
The Chronicle of Higher Education
April 18, 2008

An Eco-friendly kind of doggy bag for college students
Bay News 9
April 15, 2008

Eckerd College Switches to Reusable To-Go Containers
Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education
April 10, 2008

An Alternative to Throwaway Food Containers
The Ledger
April 9, 2008

Environmental caring in, carry out boxes
Channel 10 News
April 7, 2008

Eckerd College Introduces Sustainable EcoClamshell Container
Tampa Bay Business Journal
April 4, 2008

Blogs and Other Coverage

Take your food to go without guilt
Ode Magazine
May 7, 2009

Knox scrubs trays, Styrofoam from cafeteria
Galesburg.Com
September 12, 2008

To-Go Containers at Eckerd are First in Florida To Go Green
Florida Gulf Coast Chapter Newsletter
May 2008

ICUF report- Eckerd student invents reusable green take-out containers
Independent Colleges and Universities in Florida Report
May 2008

Florida Student Pioneers Eco-friendly Take-out
News 4 Tucson, Arizona

Green Containers, Weddings, and More
The Daily Green Blogspot
May 19, 2008

Eco-Clamshell
Northwest Arkansas Home Page
May 16, 2008

Reusable Take-Out Containers Emerge on College Campus
Ozarks First
May 5, 2008

Greening To-Go Containers
Daily Mitzvah Blogspot
May 2, 2008

Ecoclamshell- Reusable Containers for College Students
ActionSpark Blog
April 30, 2008

Florida College Student Invents Reusable Alternative to Styrofoam
Ybor City Stogie
April 28, 2008

Florida College Student Invents Alternative to Styrofoam Take-Out Containers
Earth First
April 28, 2008

Eckerd Does Green Takeout
Tampa Bay Blog
April 4, 2008

To Go Containers At Eckerd College Are First In Florida To Go Green
College News
April 4, 2008