Environmental Stewardship in the Science Kitchen

The environmentally friendly operations of the Science Kitchen are based on Tallinn University’s principles of a sustainable university.

Our goal is to lead by example and convey environmentally conscious values in every activity we undertake.

  • Conscious Consumption: We use natural resources (energy and water) sparingly and introduce these practices to students and guests.

  • Waste Prevention: Our first choice is always to prevent waste generation. If waste is created, we direct it toward recycling.

  • Single-use Product Free: We do not use disposable tableware. We have also eliminated plastic wrap in the kitchen, replacing it with reusable storage containers.

  • Green Logistics: We are located in an easily accessible location. We encourage visiting us by public transport or bicycle – a bike rack awaits you right outside the door.

  • Sustainable Souvenirs: When we share Science Kitchen gifts or souvenirs, they are chosen based on the principle of sustainability

Circular Economy and Waste Management in the Kitchen

In the Science Kitchen, every "waste" item finds a new life or its proper place.

  • Systematic Sorting: We sort all generated waste by type.

  • Smart Composting: We have great helpers – food waste is taken care of by vermicompost worms and the Bokashi system.

  • Valuable Resources: Even eggshells do not go to waste – we collect them and send them as a feed supplement for a student’s chickens.

  • Paperless Direction: We keep paper use to a minimum. Whenever possible, we use digital materials or reuse existing worksheets. We have also minimized the use of paper towels.

teadusköögi prügisorter
All waste in the Science Kitchen is sorted by type.
Maintenance and Textiles

Cleanliness is essential in the kitchen, but we achieve it while protecting nature.

  • Reusable Textiles: Instead of paper alternatives, we use cloth aprons, towels, and other textile items that are washable and long-lasting.

  • Washable Tools: Our dish brushes and surface cleaning cloths are reusable and washable.

  • Friendly Chemistry: For cleaning, we only use detergents and chemicals with environmental labels (EU Ecolabel, Nordic Swan Ecolabel).

Transport and Storage of Raw Materials

We care about how food reaches us and how we store it.

  • Packaging-free Transport: When bringing and delivering food items, we use cloth, paper, or cardboard carriers instead of plastic bags.
  • Sustainable Storage: We use only reusable and washable containers for food storage, thereby minimizing packaging waste.