Beginning on Earth Day – April 19 – patrons of UALR dining services can sign up for “Choose to Reuse,” an inexpensive way to replace throw-away food and drink containers with reusable ones.

For a one-time cost of $3 for a “clamshell” meal container and $2.50 for a 16-ounce mug, participants can receive their food and drink in the heavy plastic containers.

Patrons can return the reusable food container after their meal and will receive a token that can be exchanged for a new container for their next meal, again in a sustainable container. Containers can also be taken home and returned for a clean one during another meal period. Diners keep their mugs and can get unlimited refills of drinks during each meal period.

The containers are made of sturdy polypropelene that is 100 percent BPA free, microwave and dishwasher safe, and can be used again and again.

Nancy Landrum, chair of the UALR Sustainability Committee, praised the new option.

“I think it is a wonderful initiative to reduce landfill waste, and specifically, a commendable effort to reduce the use of Styrofoam in campus dining operations,” she said. “I hope the UALR community will embrace the Choose to Reuse program.”

Diners can purchase the containers starting Thursday, April 19, in the Diamond Cafe.