DCU is delighted to announce that our sustainability drive, announced in March 2018 is on track; DCU will become Irelands first plastic-free campus by 2020! While being environmentally friendly is not a new concept for us, we have taken huge steps to ensure that our campus is as sustainable as possible with the elimination of takeaway coffee cups, single-use plastic takeaway containers, takeaway cutlery, straws and single-use plastic bags. DCU rooms plan to follow suit and become a plastic-free hotel alternative.
Why go plastic-free?
Did you know that as a nation, we discard an astounding 80% of what we produce after one single use? It is so easy to mindlessly pick up a coffee in a non-reusable or recyclable cup or take a straw with your drink in DCU’s bar. We as individuals or as a society do not realise the detrimental effect every single piece has on our environment. The production of plastic and how it is disposed (often dumped in the ocean) is causing immeasurable damage to the planet, a fact that we may not have to witness each day being part of a privileged society. DCU have decided to do something about it, by banning single-use plastics across the campus everywhere from our canteen to the bar.
What are DCU doing to become plastic-free?
DCU officials identified a range of single-use plastic items given away in their hundreds each day across the campus, from forks with lunch to the straws in the bar. Plastic cups and glasses have been withdrawn from all campus’ with immediate effect and no more will be ordered from any of our suppliers. Takeaway coffee cups, single-use plastic takeaway containers, takeaway cutlery, straws and single-use plastic bags were all eliminated by September 2018 and we are working on removing plastic water and soft drink bottles in time to be plastic-free by 2020. The initiative is a combination of efforts from the University and Students Union who are working toward creating a more sustainable campus environment.
What else are we doing?
Our plastic-free campus is just phase one of the sustainability drive. DCU are striving to be as sustainable as we possibly can, doing our bit to help the environment and cut unnecessary expenditure across the campus. We are taking steps toward reducing our energy consumption, water usage, waste generation and increasing biodiversity enhancement. DCU is a registered participant of the national Green Campus programme and we have our own Green Committee who are committed to embedding sustainable practices across our University now and in the future.
Tips to become eco-friendly while staying in DCU rooms:
DCU rooms is a huge part of the campus and we would like to encourage all of our valued guests to help in our crusade to be as eco-friendly as we can. Here are some tips for greener living both at home and while travelling:
- Avoid driving. While DCU do offer ample parking, there are also alternatives like BleeperBike, Ireland’s first stationless bike-sharing scheme, which make it easy to rent and use bikes to get around. There are also excellent public transport links to and from DCU
- Be mindful of packaging. Carry a reusable bag and refuse plastic wherever you can.
- Unplug appliances when not in use and switch off lights when you leave the room
- Bring a reusable water bottle and disposable coffee cup with you instead of using single-use containers. There are many water refill stations dotted around campus to fill your bottle and take it with you.
- Shopping in Dublin is fantastic and we have many great shopping streets but we have a huge range of second hand and vintage stores selling pre-loved and upcycled clothing and goods.
If you’d like to stay in one of Dublin’s only plastic-free hotel alternatives, DCU rooms is a great value option. Our rates are great value in comparison to the hugely inflated prices of Dublin hotels and you know you’re doing a little bit for the environment too. If you’d like to book a stay to sight see in Dublin or bring a group to the capital, contact our friendly team today.
