Reducing Single-use Plastics at KAUST Retail Outlets

In line with Saudi Vision 2030 and KAUST Sustainability efforts, Community Life is committed to taking action to reduce single-use plastics. Below are a few ways that we’re working with retailers and community members to make a lasting difference.

1 SAR discount at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf now offers a 1 SAR discount to anyone who brings his or her own mug. Each mug makes a difference! During the first three months of the campaign, over 1,000 cups were saved!

Reusable containers are welcome at participating restaurants

In an effort to be more sustainable, we no longer use Styrofoam containers for takeaway in our restaurants. At many restaurants, including the Campus Diner, Facility Diner, Steak Seven, Harbor Club Restaurant, 10th Hole, Pure, Halawani, YaHala, Vera Pizza and Great Wall Bistro, you can make even more of an impact by bringing your own reusable container from home.

No more plastic straws in Tamimi restaurants

Tamimi restaurants, including the Campus Diner, Facility Diner and Recreation Club Restaurants, are now offering straws only by request. We encourage you to participate in the #NoStrawChallenge and decline plastic straws whenever possible.

Phasing out single-use water bottles

• Catering services from Tamimi and Coastline are now supplying water in jugs or coolers instead of in plastic bottles.
• The Diners and many other sit-down restaurants have replaced single-use plastic bottles with water in jugs or coolers.
• Water-cooler stations have started popping up all around campus, including in the recreation facilities, restaurants and even on Coastline’s boats.
• Many sit-down restaurants, including Steak Seven, Harbor Club Restaurant, 10^th Hole and Pure, now offer pitchers of tap water upon request. Tap water at KAUST is both free and safe to drink!

Coming soon

Community Life is committed to taking actions to reduce single-use plastics. As part of our phased approach, we are working with our service providers to aim to eliminate the most common single-use plastics in KAUST. Stay tuned for the upcoming announcements.

Suggestions welcome

We are always keen to implement sustainable ideas across our service areas. For instance, we increased vegetarian options at the Diner based on feedback from the community. If you’d like to share your ideas for making KAUST retailers more sustainable, please contact the Sustainability Office at Sustainability@kaust.edu.sa or the Community Life Retail Team at Retail@kaust.edu.sa.

Thank you for supporting these important sustainability initiatives and working with us to help KAUST be #PlasticFree.

Regards,
Chris Sealey
Vice President, Community Life