Most of the current programs at UM focus on recycling single-use cups rather than encouraging the use of reusable mugs. Other programs, such as the Go Blue Boxes, are in pilot phases but may offer new ways to reduce waste on campus.

Discounts at Campus Cafes

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Currently, cafes around campus offer a twenty-five cent discount on hot drinks for customers who bring their own mugs.* Now we need to find ways to encourage more students to participate in these waste reduction programs.

*Laura Golze ( Bert's Cafe` Manager). Interview by Andrew Stolberg, April 2013.

Campus Events

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In past events, such as Earth Day and America Recycles Day, reusable mugs have been handed out on the diag. During these events, cafes offer a free drink when they use their giveaway mugs. This helps to increase sustainability by using incentives.

Go Blue Boxes 

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While this project is not an effort to encourage the use of reusable mugs, this is an initiative to reduce waste. The program is currently in its pilot phase and containers are available at the U-Club in the Union. Students get a container and fill it with food from the U-Club. After the students are done eating, they can take the container back to the provider and exchange it for a clean one.

Shifting the Focus to Reusable Mugs