Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU) Council has passed a motion to campaign against the widespread use of single-use plastic cups across campus, aiming to significantly reduce environmental harm.
The motion, proposed by Environmental Officer Sam Brooks and seconded by class representative Alison Cummins, acknowledges the extensive use of disposable cups at various campus facilities, including The Buttery, The Forum, The Perch, the SU Cafe, and notably at the Pav, particularly during busy nights.
Highlighting the detrimental environmental impacts caused by single-use plastic, the motion emphasises that convenience should not outweigh ecological responsibility during a climate crisis. The initiative aims to encourage a shift towards sustainable alternatives such as reusable “Keep Cups”, delph cups, and hard plastic reusable cups, which would be supported by adequate washing stations.
TCDSU President Jenny Maguire told Trinity News: “Trinity College has a duty to the community both within and outside of the college walls. Though its shameful ties with Coca-Cola and Ryanair exist, we must continue to push them in all areas to be a truly green campus.”
Under the newly passed mandate, the TCDSU President and the Environmental Officer are directed to launch an immediate campaign, starting with the phased elimination of single-use cups in SU-operated facilities. Collaboration with the Central Societies Committee (CSC) and various student societies will be essential to promote reusable cups during society events and coffee mornings.
Environmental Officer Sam Brooks highlighted the necessity for institutional action alongside individual efforts, stating: “I think it’s important that we all do our part but equally college needs to make sure that reusable cups are the norm and that they aren’t needlessly wasting tens of thousands of non-reusable cups. Making reusable cups accessible and easy to use for students allows them to easily lead a more sustainable life without shifting the responsibility onto the individual. It is of course a small step and the targeting of corporations and greenwashing is arguably more important but this is a simple step that has been proven to work. Equally it will also contribute to a culture shift on campus and hopefully contribute to a growth in the wider climate movement on campus.”
Additionally, the Environmental Officer has been tasked with providing the Council with a progress report by the last council of next year’s Michaelmas Term. This report will include a clear timeline outlining further objectives towards the eventual complete elimination of single-use cups from campus establishments including The Buttery, Perch, Forum, and Pav.
The campaign aligns with broader sustainability goals previously endorsed by the Student’s Union, reinforcing the Union’s commitment to combating climate change through tangible actions.
