Ceramic Revolution at the Dunn School: Saying Goodbye to Single-Use Plastics

A sustainability initiative aimed at reducing reliance on single-use cups and promoting reuse across the department.

Over the years, many ceramic mugs left behind by alumni and former members of the Dunn School have been collected, cleaned, sterilised, and repurposed for communal use. The mugs are placed in trays within the café area, allowing staff and students to freely use and return them for washing and reuse. Additional mugs have also been donated by current members of the Dunn School, often from surplus office or household supplies. Several suppliers have further contributed new reusable mugs to support the initiative.

These mugs are used not only for daily tea and coffee consumption but also during departmental events such as Dunn Drinks and seminars, helping to eliminate the need for disposable cups. Visitors to the Dunn School are similarly encouraged to use reusable mugs within the café and communal areas.

The initiative has significantly reduced the use of single-use plastics cups and bottles while fostering a stronger sense of community and shared responsibility. By repurposing existing resources, the Dunn School continues to demonstrate that practical, low-cost changes can make a meaningful contribution towards more sustainable laboratory and office environments.