| dc.description.abstract | The main objective of this study is to assess perspectives and use of the reusable mug
pilot program at the Killam Library, Dalhousie University. Reduction of solid waste is a
widespread environmental and sustainability issue as the solid waste that is sent landfills has
many associated negative effects (Government of Canada, 2012). These negative effects include
contamination of surrounding land, groundwater, and surficial bodies of water (Government of
Canada, 2012). Additionally, the landfill itself produces greenhouse gases such as methane and
carbon dioxide, thus contributing to overall climate change (Government of Canada, 2012).
Solid waste production is an important issue at Dalhousie University because 40% of waste
produced at Dalhousie University ends up in landfills (Dalhousie University, 2015). Disposable
cups contribute to solid waste at Dalhousie University and because of this, the Office of
Sustainability is piloting a reusable mug program at Second Cup with the goal of reducing
disposable cup waste. By assessing perspectives of the reusable mug pilot program launched on
March 5, 2019, this study gathered information about the support and interest regarding the
permanent implementation of sustainable programs such as this pilot program. Additionally,
we aimed to uncover barriers regarding pilot program use in order to strengthen and improve
the program for perceived future implementation.
Using a mixed method approach, we collected data through qualitative (surveys) and
quantitative (count observation) methods over one week during the primary stages of the
program. Our results suggest that participants would use the reusable mug program, however
many participants were not aware of it. The majority of the participants were in favour of
having this program permanently implemented in the Killam Library, as well as in other
buildings such as the Student Union Building and Life Sciences Centre. Quantitative count data
suggested that 5% of individuals consuming beverages at the Second Cup used mugs provided
by the pilot program, while the remaining used disposable cups and their personal reusable
mugs. Overall, our research demonstrates that a reusable mug program could be an effective
solution to reduce excessive use of disposable coffee cups in the Killam Library at Dalhousie
University. | en_US |
