Latest News

Latest News

TGFS 2026 Diverts 93% of Event Waste from Landfill

Strategic collaboration and dedicated volunteers made the 6,000-attendee TGFS event officially zero waste. Over 20 student volunteers hand-sorted 800+ lbs of waste at four stations, achieving 93% waste diversion—only 7% went to landfill.

Sustainability Team Hosts Multiple Earth Month Activities

Each year, UC Davis Health celebrates Earth Month with different events and programs throughout the month, and this year is no different.

The sustainability team welcomes you to join them at a variety of fun programs, including Earth Month Bingo, a Light Rail Field Trip, a Sustainability Walking Tour, and an exciting Earth Month Celebration.

Reusable Utensil Distribution Coming to Lawrence Ellison Café

The Sustainability team will be distributing reusable utensils multiple days between April and June.

Staff interested in picking up the utensils can find staff at the Lawrence Ellison Café at the ACC, the café dining area across from the old pharmacy space, on the following dates:

Building a More Sustainable Health Care Model

UC Davis Health has earned national recognition for its leadership in sustainability and community well-being. This extends beyond environmental initiatives and supports a broader commitment to community health through its Anchor Institution Mission. The mission’s goal is to boost economically distressed communities in the region through local hiring, purchasing and investing.

New Food Waste Collection Bins Coming to Breakrooms, Kitchens, and More

Food waste collection bins with green labels are being placed in staff breakrooms, kitchens, and food service areas. Food waste will now be separated from landfill trash into the new bins and sent for other recovery programs, daily. These bins are specifically for food waste only.

UC Davis Tops Continent in Sustainability Rankings

The University of California, Davis, is the “greenest” campus in North America and the seventh most sustainable campus in the world, according to the 2025 UI GreenMetric World University Rankings.

Final Reusable Utensil Kit Giveaways Set for Fall

 

UC Davis Health’s reusable flatware initiative is entering its final phase for 2025, with a few more opportunities for staff, students and faculty to pick up a free utensil kit and join the effort to reduce single-use plastic waste.

Final distribution dates:

Grounds team takes sustainable approach to weed control

The UC Davis Health Grounds team is rethinking how weeds are managed on the Sacramento campus – with sustainability, safety, and health at the center of their work.

In alignment with UC systemwide Integrated Pest Management (IPM) guidance, the department is shifting away from synthetic herbicides and toward piloting strategies that create healthier spaces for patients, families, staff, and visitors.

 

A new way forward

The Grounds team’s evolving approach includes:

Employees line up for reusable utensil kits as distribution continues through December

Since the launch of UC Davis Health’s reusable flatware program earlier this month, more than 2,500 utensil kits have already been distributed at Scrubs Café tabling events. Each two-hour session has drawn steady lines of staff, faculty, and students eager to replace single-use plastics with durable, reusable utensils.

Free flatware pickup begins Aug. 7 with updated schedule

 

Scrubs Café in the Education Building and Nourish Café at the 48X Complex have launched a program aimed at reducing single-use plastic waste by eliminating disposable flatware. Join the effort in reducing waste by bringing your own reusable utensils! You’ll receive a discount at the Scrubs Café when you show your reusable utensil and purchase an item that requires use of a utensil. Discounts are currently not available at the Nourish Café.