Over the past month, students noticed two big changes in the dining hall—water bottles are no longer for sale, and a new fridge, stocked with fresh food options, has been added.
Reactions from the student body have varied, with some expressing enthusiasm about the new food choices, while others question the decision to stop water bottle sales.
“It doesn’t really impact me because you can still get water from the machine for free,” Fifth Former Jack Chisholm said. “But I think it’s a good change if it encourages us to bring our own reusable bottles. It’s more eco-friendly, and I can refill my water bottle as often as I want. I also really like the juices in the new fridge.”
“We’re saving about one hundred plastic water bottles from being thrown out every day.”
Ryan wang ’26
The decision to discontinue water bottle sales is part of a larger Sustainability Club initiative to reduce single-use plastics. According to Fifth Form Sustainability Club member Ryan Wang, the change reflects the school’s commitment to sustainability. “Eliminating disposable water bottles is one small step toward a greener campus,” Wang said. “We’re saving about one hundred plastic water bottles from being thrown out every day.”
Despite the reduction in plastic water bottles, it also brings about a new problem. The absence of plastic water bottles leads to an increase in the use of plastic cups located next to the drink machine in the cafeteria. Fifth Former Ranvir Gill said, “It’s great to be more sustainable, but I’m not completely sure how this fixes the problem. Not everyone remembers a water bottle every day, and there’s always plastic cups that are available in the cafeteria, which sort of goes against the [idea of] reducing plastic.”
In addition to the water policy, students buzz about the new fridge in the cafeteria, which is stocked with fresh sandwiches, salads, and snacks. These food options are pre-made and packaged, which allows students and faculty to “grab and go” instead of creating their own salads and wraps. Additionally, the pre-made aspect may give students incentive to try healthier choices to fuel them through their busy schedules.
As the school rolls out these changes, opinions are mixed. Still, the administration sees the new policies as positive steps toward a healthier and more sustainable school environment.
