Lakehead Continues Reusable Container Program

In the fall of 2023, Lakehead launched the Cano Co. reusable container program in its dining facilities on the Thunder Bay campus. The program supports the University’s Sustainability Plan, which commits to increasing our diversion of waste and increasing our use of reusable dining ware.

Guided by Food and Conference Services, Aramark, and the Office of Sustainability, the program aims to reduce Lakehead’s use of single-use packaging.

Lakehead wanted a streamlined program for on-campus food service providers on a user-friendly platform for students, faculty, and staff. The Cano Co. program has many benefits for organizations and users. The no-fee platform makes the program accessible for students who can also earn free food and drink rewards by using the program and returning their containers promptly.

The app-based program tracks how many takeout containers a user has diverted from waste and recycling streams and the corresponding reductions in carbon emissions, enabling institutions to track waste and emissions savings over time.

As of August 5, 2024, the program has had 414 users, avoiding 163.1 kgs of greenhouse gasses and 34.9 kgs of waste.

Keep an eye out this September for the new school year launch of the program in the main Dining Hall, which will include various incentives. Program success relies on your participation, so please sign up and help reduce our single-use packaging! And remember, make sure to scan the QR codes when borrowing a container.

The Cano Co. reusable container program can be accessed at Lakehead University on its Thunder Bay campus at the main Dining Hall, with plans to expand the program at a later time.

To learn more about the program, visit canocompany.com/en/home or download the free Cano Co. app on the Apple store or the Google Play store.