Date of Award
2023
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
Dean, Erin
Area of Concentration
Environmental Studies
Abstract
Single-use products are detrimental to the environment due to the consequences of plastic pollution and the linear path of goods. However, Zero-waste is leading the environmental movement to denaturalize waste. Refill shops cut plastic waste at the source through reuse projects. Therefore, this pilot project operated a bulk bar on the New College of Florida campus for one month. Forty-three students completed surveys designed to assess the awareness, performance, barriers, and improvements to their Bulk Bar experience a week after the pilot concluded. The responses indicated that this service succeeded in educating college students about alternative purchase options and waste reduction methods. The NCF Bulk Bar demonstrates that 1) it is not always more convenient to go to the grocery store and buy a brand new bottle of soap, and 2) refill stations are an advantageous and sustainable option for college campuses.
Recommended Citation
Merkel, Jessie, "CLOSING THE LOOP: CIRCULAR ECONOMIES AND THE NEW COLLEGE OF FLORIDA CAMPUS BULK BAR" (2023). Theses & ETDs. 6397.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/6397