Eco2Go Program Recap and Expansion Feasibility Study
Competency 1
Develop a satisfaction survey to distribute to OSU Housing and Dining patrons
a) As assigned by preceptor regarding
i. Menu offerings for specific diners (e.g., Gluten free; Vegan)
ii. Delivery of services in dining operation (new options, services available, etc.)
iii. Practices relative to customer values/interests (cultural sensitivity; sustainable practices;
purchasing from local vendors, etc.)
b) Evaluate survey results and present to OSU Housing and Dining management staff
c) Propose modification suggestion that may be applicable based on survey results
d) Calculate the cost and determine logistics and potential for proposed suggestions as determined by preceptor,
including feasibility study of suggestion
Competency 4
Develop a proposal for a sustainability practice or concept in the dining facility*
a) Investigate potential sustainable concepts that are consistent with a need within the facility
b) Participate in a team meeting to bring ideas to the team and discuss sustainability options with potential for
implementation.
c) Gather data relative to cost, time and strategies to implement a sustainable practice or concept
d) Develop business plan for concept and develop a proposal for implementation, including details, start-up costs,
energy or other savings, impact upon labor and staffing, equipment, other.
e) Package proposal as you would present it to management; describe the sustainability concept incorporated in
the plans and the responsible use of resources such as employees, money, time, water, energy, food and
disposable goods.
Summary:
My project was to conduct a customer satisfaction survey as well as a pilot program evaluation to determine if
the Eco2Go reusable “to-go” container program, which was implemented fall term 2012, successfully met its goals. I
reviewed the program with Tara Sanders, RD at Oregon State University (OSU) Housing and Dining Services (UHDS) and
Chris Anderson, OSU Catering Manager. The Eco2Go program is a project undertaken by UHDS and spearheaded by
Chris. A pilot program at Southside (Arnold) Dining Hall was developed and executed as a means to increase student
dining hall satisfaction, increase sustainable practices within the dining hall and to potentially decrease disposable “togo” container costs.
To determine the pilot program’s success, I developed a customer satisfaction survey to be filled out by students
participating in the Eco2Go program. I also created a tally sheet to gain insight from non-participants as to why they did
not choose to participate in the program. Because the only means of contacting participants was by seeing them use
their reusable containers in the dining hall, I participated in a tabling event from January 29-31, 2013 where I could
verbally ask them to fill out the questionnaire (note: an email list was provided to help initiate alternative means of
contacting participants). In return for their feedback, they were presented with a reusable bag containing an apple, and
single-servings of peanut butter and animal crackers, which were provided by Cascadia Market on the OSU campus (I
was also responsible for obtaining product and creating these incentive bags. The tabling event took place at Southside
Dining Hall during lunch (11am-1pm) on January 29th and 30th and dinner (4:30-6:30pm) on January 31st.
After I collected the survey data, I compiled it to discuss with Chris. We also discussed various costs and means
of obtaining funds for the initial pilot project as well as what would be necessary to expand the program to the other 2
dining halls run by UHDS. I analyzed all data and created a PowerPoint presentation I would deliver to UHDS
management. This presentation evaluated the student survey results as well as the goals set forth in the development
and implementation of the pilot program, which included costs, logistics and modifications that may benefit the pilot. I
used this information to investigate the feasibility of a similar model being introduced in the East and West dining halls
so that sustainability practices may be expanded in these areas. Included in this are costs and logistics of expansion.
I delivered my presentation to management on February 6, 2013 at the weekly manager’s meeting. My goal was
to present the information objectively, yet in a way that would allow for negotiation and buy-in to the idea of expansion.
From the information I provided, management was able to discuss pros and cons throughout their meeting in order to
decide if they wanted to take this step. Ultimately, it was decided that the program couldn’t be counted on to make
money, but it wouldn’t cost money, either. Additionally, management wanted to continue their sustainability efforts
because “it’s the right thing to do.” The program is project to be expanded to the other dining halls beginning fall term,
2013.
My PowerPoint presentation may be viewed in the folder “Competency 1 and 4” and is titled “Eco2Go program
at OSU”. A copy of my Customer Satisfaction Survey is on page 3 and my tally sheet for non-participant feedback is on
page 4. Results from these studies are on pages 5-7. Also included in the “Competency 1 and 4” folder are scanned
copies of the original survey results and email list as well as promotion used at the tabling event.
Reusable Container Satisfaction Survey
Please circle the most accurate answer
6. Remembering to return the container is:
1. The cost of the reusable container is:
too expensive
fine
very economical
comment:_____________________________________
_____________________________________________
2. The quality (durability) of the container is:
excellent
fine
poor
comment:_____________________________________
_____________________________________________
never a problem
sometimes a problem*
*please explain: ________________________________
_____________________________________________
7. Keeping track of the token until I exchange it for a
container is:
never a problem
sometimes a problem*
*please explain: ________________________________
_____________________________________________
8. I use my reusable container:
3. The size of the container is:
0-1 times/week
too large
fine
2-5 times/week
6+ times/week
too small
comment:_____________________________________
_____________________________________________
comment:_____________________________________
_____________________________________________
4. The container/token exchange process is:
9. The $0.20 savings per meal when using the reusable
container:
very easy/convenient
is a good incentive
fine
not easy/convenient
comment:_____________________________________
_____________________________________________
5. Regarding getting your meal placed in a reusable
container:
comment:_____________________________________
_____________________________________________
10. My overall satisfaction with the reusable container
program is:
very satisfied
It is a smooth transaction: I agree
doesn’t matter to me
somewhat satisfied
unsatisfied
I disagree*
*please explain: ________________________________
_____________________________________________
comment:_____________________________________
_____________________________________________
What is the best thing about the program? What could
use some work?
Best thing: ___________________________________
Needs work:__________________________________
Thank you for your time!
Why Students Don’t Buy In to Eco2Go
Tally Sheet for 1/29-1/31/2013
1. Too expensive:
2. Dining Meal Plan doesn’t cover initial cost:
3. Won’t remember to bring it from home:
4. Hassle to exchange for token:0
5. Sustainability/environmental impact not a pressing issue/”not interested”:
6. Other (please write down):
4
Reusable Container Satisfaction Survey
Please circle the most accurate answer
6. Remembering to return the container is:
1. The cost of the reusable container is:
too expensive
fine-73%
very economical-27%
never a problem-82% sometimes a problem* 18%
comment: if it was cheaper more people would
consider
*please explain: having the tag [instead of actual
container] it’s easier to forget to use Eco2Go; see #4
(wash own container)
2. The quality (durability) of the container is:
7. Keeping track of the token until I exchange it for a
container is:
excellent=9%
fine-73%
poor-18%
comment: sometimes the clip breaks; have used one or
two with broken clasps
never a problem-82% sometimes a problem* 18%
*please explain: sometimes I lose it in my room
8. I use my reusable container:
3. The size of the container is:
too large
fine-91%
0-1 times/week-9% 2-5 times/week-27%
6+ times/week-64%
too small-9%
comment: one of the 2-5x/wk respondents wrote “2-3”
comment: some compartments are too small and I feel
like I sometimes get served smaller portions because
of this; needs to be a pizza container
9. The $0.20 savings per meal when using the reusable
container:
is a good incentive-91%
doesn’t matter to me-18%
4. The container/token exchange process is:
very easy/convenient-64%
easy/convenient-9%
fine-27% not
comment: I normally wash my own container so token
exchange gets confusing; sometimes the line piles up
comment: [one respondent answered twice]; saves a
lot and adds up quick!; save $0.20/meal and don’t
have to deal w/other to-go boxes; but it’s a long-term
incentive to pay off container
10. My overall satisfaction with the reusable container
program is:
5. Regarding getting your meal placed in a reusable
container:
very satisfied-82%
unsatisfied
It is a smooth transaction: I agree-91%
comment:_____________________________________
_____________________________________________
I disagree*9%
*please explain: sometimes container is forgotten, but
it is quickly fixed; pizza could be better; sometimes the
servers don’t know where to find the containers
somewhat satisfied-18%
(results continued on next page)
5
Best things:
-not having to use a plastic to-go container
-uses less plastic
-reduces waste
-environmentally friendly
-keeps my trash empty
-eventually cost effective and I don’t have to use plastic frequently
-sustainability – saves money
-$0.20
-$0.20
-$0.20
Needs work:
- some compartments are too small
-pizza doesn’t fit well [staff told me they fill the container upside-down to help w/this problem]
-token exchange
- exchange process
-staff being prepared to accept/exchange tokens
-bottom clasp is broken on some containers
-no major areas of concern
-offering it at all restaurants. I don’t get pizza or Nori grill because of unreusability
-maybe we can take tokens out or store them in my pocket
-needs to be mandatory for best results
-Summary of results:
Rec’d 11 completed surveys: 11/46 (total # sold) = 24% of participants responded.
Majority of respondents rated cost, durability and size of the reusable container as “fine,” that the
container/token exchange process is “very easy/convenient. ” Over 90% agreement that getting a
meal placed in a reusable container is a smooth transaction and the $0.20 savings per meal is a good
incentive. Over eighty percent report that remembering the container and/or token is “never a
problem.” Majority of respondents (64%) use their container 6+ times per week. Overall satisfaction
rate is 100%, with 82% “very satisfied” and 18% “somewhat satisfied.”
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Why Students Don’t Buy In to Eco2Go
Tally Sheet for 1/29-1/31/2013
1. Too expensive: 4 (2 said would buy for $4 or $5)
2. Mealbux doesn’t cover initial cost:0
3. Won’t remember to bring it from home: 2
4. Hassle to exchange for token:0
5. Sustainability/environmental impact not a pressing issue/”not interested”: 5 (1 hadn’t seen
promo, 1 doesn’t want to wash container)
6. Other (please write down):
hasn’t heard of program: 8
food ordered n/a w/Eco2Go (Nori Grill): 1
lives near different dining hall/wants it in other dining halls: 3 (doesn’t eat at Arnold often
enough to pay for it; thinks program would be more popular in other dining halls due to larger
number of resident halls there)
23 respondents
7