Residential & Dining Enterprises

Residential & Dining Enterprises (R&DE)'s sustainability commitment is embedded in leadership, daily operations, and collaborations with students and faculty. R&DE leads pioneering food research, co-founding the Menus of Change University Research Collaborative and the R&DE Stanford Food Institute. The flagship “Give & Go” program diverts over 70 tons of reusable materials from landfills annually, supporting the student community and reducing waste.

Community Made: Rewear, Reuse, Repeat

Culture Change, Residential, Zero Waste

Events like Big Swap, a swap event run by-and-for students, aim to use Stanford resources to codify cultural norms of sharing and increase the efficacy of reuse initiatives.

Big Swap 2

Jun 6, 2025 | 4pm–7pm

Big Swap 2 on June 6th 4-7pm at Mars and Xanadu houses is a chance for students and staff to give, get, and share clothing, bikes, furniture, electronics, decor, and more!

Student Sustainability Symposium

Jun 5, 2025 | 08:30am–3:30pm

Join this year’s student interns and fellows as we celebrate the culmination of their projects. If you’re interested in hearing about these projects that advance …

Student looking at a swap item at Big Swap at the Aspen Sustainability Festival

Sustainability in Full Bloom at the Aspen Spring Sustainability Festival

Culture Change, Living Lab, Zero Waste

On April 18th, the Stanford community gathered for the student-run Aspen Spring Sustainability Festival and Big Swap.

Aspen Spring Sustainability Festival

Apr 18, 2025 | 4pm–7pm

Celebrate Earth Day with the Aspen Neighborhood! The inaugural BIG SWAP premieres at this festival! Enjoy catered hors d’oeuvres and beverages, create your own flower …

Herbed Persian cucumber salad with heirloom tomatoes and roasted garlic as part of the plant-based menu in Stanford Dinning.

How to Eat Sustainably on Campus

Culture Change

Ideas to reduce the climate impact of your food choices on campus.

3 people going through the line at a buffet table with sandwiches and drinks in reusable containers

Food Recovery Resources

Community Engagement, Zero Waste

Donating excess edible food is required by California law. Explore ways to reduce food waste from the start and learn how to plug into campus food recovery efforts.

Stanford Leads Coalition Achieving Climate Impact through Food Systems Changes

Emissions, Purchasing

Stanford’s food research collaborative has increased its goal to a 40% cut in protein-related emissions by 2030 after already achieving a 23% reduction.