WashU – Bear’s Den

Take me here using Metro Transit!

The Bear’s Den is located on WashU’s South 40 campus and passes every sustainability category while excelling in waste management. Like the DUC and the Village House, this Sodexo managed dining hall diverts over 99% of organic material from landfills. Plate waste and kitchen scraps are composted; if the kitchen can reuse something, it will. No organics from the kitchen see a compost bin without getting tracked and weighed by the food waste management system LeanPath. Chefs and managers use the data to plan and prepare more efficiently.

Bear’s Den goes a step further to reduce waste with an oil recycling system. All deep fryers connect to central tanks where used cooking oil is cleaned and filtered then sent back to the fryers. This saves thousands of gallons of oil and produces far less carbon emissions than growing, processing and transporting new oil.

Diners will find a variety of local products, local and regional produce and occasionally herbs or veggies grown on campus. Dedicated kitchens prepare Kosher and Halal foods. Nutritional information is available upon request. All meals are served on compostable service-ware and reusable takeout containers are available through Grubhub for students to return later.

The Bear’s Den’s “all-you-care-to-eat” system offers students flexibility while allowing staff to monitor and serve portions carefully. The kitchens are full of EnergyStar appliances. WashU Facilities Management helps maintain energy efficient kitchen appliances and building and equipment updates so that residential students feel comfortable while they dine. Congrats to Sodexo and WashU for adding another 5-Star GDA member on campus.