Northeastern Puts Sustainability on the Menu with New Climate-Friendly Labels 

By Michael Earls with the Climate Justice and Sustainability Hub 

With stomachs growling and minds focused on impending assignments, students in Northeastern’s dining locations may feel pressed for time to make the best eco-friendly choices. However, a new initiative by Northeastern Dining is simplifying the choice.  

Northeastern University, ever-committed to leading in sustainability, has introduced climate-friendly labels in its dining halls. This initiative not only makes it easier for students to choose lower-impact foods but also fosters a more sustainable campus community. 

These climate-friendly labels sport a small globe icon, helping students easily spot low-impact choices. Displayed at dining locations like United Table and The Eatery at Stetson East, each labeled item has been evaluated by HowGood using environmental and social impact metrics. This straightforward approach helps students easily make climate-conscious choices during their daily dining. 

A partnership between Chartwells Higher Education—the food service provider for Northeastern Dining—and HowGood, an independent research company with the world’s largest database on product sustainability, made the new labels possible. Since the labels were introduced, Chartwells has recorded a 37% increase in the production of recipes rated positively by HowGood across its partner campuses nationwide.  

The new labeling system has already made an impression on Northeastern students. For Sara Breslau, a fourth-year Environmental Studies and Political Science student, the initiative is a welcome addition to campus life. 

 “As a student working in sustainability, I’m excited to see Northeastern taking steps toward environmental responsibility,” she said. “The labels make it easier for us to be aware of our impact,” she added. 

Emma MacDonald, a fourth-year Business Administration and Communications major, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the value of accessible information. “Implementing climate-friendly labeling is a positive step. It raises awareness and helps us make informed choices,” she explained. 

The climate-friendly labels are just the beginning of Northeastern Dining’s sustainability journey. Monalisa Prasad, Chartwells’ VP of Sustainability, stated that the program will soon expand to more dining locations, offering a broader range of climate-friendly options. 

“Through this initiative, we hope students and faculty feel empowered to choose meals that align with their personal values and environmental goals,” Prasad added. 

Northeastern Dining is exploring additional ways to encourage sustainable choices, including potential rewards programs, aiming to make sustainability a lasting habit across the campus community.  

“Ultimately, we want the Climate-Friendly Labeling initiative to spark a shift in mindset,” Prasad said. “Let’s make sustainability a central part of the dining experience at Northeastern.”