It's no surprise that the Sustainable Endowments Institute gives Villanova Dining Services an "A" grade for its outstanding environmental initiatives.

Villanova implements practices including trayless cafeterias, an 80-ton-per-year composting initiative, cultivation of organic herb gardens, and a 27% purchase rate for local food.

With care for its students and the environment, Villanova selectively chooses food items that are raised or grown sustainably. The largest retail food outlet on campus, the Belle Air Terrace, features a totally organic salad bar.

In addition to its progressive "trayless" approach in resident dining halls, Villanova reduces waste by using reusable dishware in all dining halls and using 100% pre-consumer recycled plates and napkins in all university retail outlets on campus. The university also recycles 90% of its frying oil fat, approximately 9,000 gallons, each year.

Villanova's environmental stewardship is often accompanied by participating in socially responsible initiatives. These include the provision of Aqua Health Water, with 5% of all sales going to Catholic Relief Services and the Uganda Rural Fund, along with the purchase of Fair Trade products since 2001, including coffee, chocolate, and rice.