Would cost-conscience students at the Diamond Café in the Donaghey Student Center rather save a few pennies on lunch or do their part to save the planet?

That was the question Sodexo Food managers contemplated. They were faced with a classic business decision: continue using the same, non-renewable food ware – cups, plates, and cutlery – and keep costs the same or switch to a substantially more environmentally friendly product and increase prices by a few pennies.

“This was a tough decision to make for a company that is committed to sustainability initiatives, but one that prides itself in delivering high-quality foods on a college student’s tight budget,” said Jared Rhodes, a graduate student in management information systems. He researched the disposable containers issue under the direction of Dr. Nancy Landrum, chair of the UALR Sustainability Committee.

The company found a solution in the new Bare™ brand by Solo cups and plates Sodexo is now using. The products are made to be just as strong and effective as regular food ware and are only slightly distinguished by a subtle, three-leaf pattern on the side. The clear cups are made from 20 percent post-consumer recycled plastic. The change helps reduce new materials from being created which uses more of Earth’s precious resources.

The paper plates and cups are made from other plant-based renewable materials, including sugarcane, corn, and bamboo. These particular products are annually renewable and compostable at commercial composting facilities.

The raw materials required to create the new renewables are still in limited supply, in part because the market for the products has not been fully defined.

“By simply reaching for a Bare™ cup or requesting to use a Bare™ paper plate at the Diamond Café, UALR consumers are helping define that market,” Rhodes said.