
The Giving Trees
Stanford’s on-site milling program transforms fallen limbs into campus benches and student art–providing the campus community a sustainable alternative to imported lumber.
Have you ever noticed that all of the foodware at Coupa Cafe is compostable? JP Coupal, Coupa Cafe’s co-founder, led the transition to certified compostable items one at a time. One month it was working with vendors to source a compostable cup, the next month straws, then sandwich containers – and the list goes on.
Coupal recalls the boba straw being the most challenging item. But you can now enjoy Coupa’s boba from a compostable straw that won’t decompose in your drink or your mouth! Coupal believes once compostables are no longer a novelty, but the expectation, we will see progress towards zero waste.
Coupa Cafe’s compostables and produce are also locally sourced, reducing transportation emissions and ensuring you are eating only the freshest ingredients.
Because all of Coupa Cafe’s foodware is compostable (cups, straws, containers, utensils, and napkins), there’s no confusion when it comes to properly sorting your waste; it all goes in the same bin – compost!
Find out what else can be composted on campus.
Witness how fellow students, staff, and faculty are creating a wasteless community, and gain inspiration to implement waste-wise practices in your daily decisions.


Stanford’s on-site milling program transforms fallen limbs into campus benches and student art–providing the campus community a sustainable alternative to imported lumber.

“Swap shelves” make reusing items easy and convenient–saving money & supporting Stanford’s waste reduction goal.

The university’s new purchasing guidelines help make the smarter and more sustainable option the easier one.