Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) is strengthening its role as a sustainable campus by actively tracking the food waste generated from served meals. Measuring this waste supports global goals like Zero Hunger (SDG 2) and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) while teaching students mindful eating habits.
Importance of Food Waste Measurement
- Raises Awareness: Quantifying leftover food highlights the exact scale of excess food being thrown away.
- Optimizes Dining Operations: Tracking patterns helps cafeterias adjust portion sizes, reducing both disposal costs and environmental impact.
CCDC’s Commitment to Sustainability
CCDC integrates sustainability into campus operations through community gardening partnerships like the HAPAG program, which addresses malnutrition. Under College Memorandum No. 7 s. 2019, the college bans single-use plastics and Styrofoam in campus cafeterias. This policy builds a culture that values sustainability and sets the stage for reducing leftover food waste.
Monitoring and Measuring Campus Food Waste
In line with the national Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (Republic Act 9003), CCDC’s General Services Office conducts regular waste audits to monitor food scraps from canteens, catering services, and lunchrooms:
- Source Segregation: Bins at the campus Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) separate waste into biodegradable, recyclable, and residual categories.
- Volume Tracking: Food waste is collected in organic bins, allowing the school to track weight trends and minimize plate waste.
- Accountability: Quarterly Self-Monitoring Reports (SMRs) ensure that all operational waste—including kitchen scraps and used cooking oil—is rigorously measured and reported.
Data, Outcomes, and Future Steps
CCDC’s waste monitoring system ensures full compliance with national environmental standards, with all storage facilities passing inspections. Used vegetable oil is safely handled by accredited disposal partners.
The data gathered from campus food waste tracking will guide future social responsibility initiatives. CCDC plans to use this information to launch campus-wide “Clean Plate Challenges,” expand composting workshops, and set explicit food waste reduction goals within its sustainability roadmap.
