Friendlier is a circular waste reduction program that replaces single-use food packaging with reusable containers. It operates through an easy to use system that encourages sustainability without sacrificing convenience. Customers who purchase food in school retails like Food Emporium, Street cafe, Gourmet Express, etc. simply scan a QR code on the container using the Friendlier app. Once they finish their meal, they return the container to a designated drop-off bin on campus. From there, the containers are collected, professionally cleaned, and redistributed for reuse. This system helps to reduce waste while promoting a culture of conscious consumption.

On Tuesday, March 25, from 1:25 PM to 4:15 PM, Alejandra and I set out to spread the word. We started in the Food Emporium and classroom halls, talking to students about how easy it is to use the Friendlier app, scan their containers, and return them to the designated bins. Most students were really open to the idea, but we did hear some say they kept forgetting to return their containers or scanning before dropping them. That led to some interesting conversations about how convenience plays a huge role in sustainable habits. Wanting to take it a step further, we reached out to some friends and professors to see if we could talk about Friendlier in their classes. A few of them were on board, which gave us a chance to present to a wider audience. The best part of it was that some students told us afterward that they hadn’t even known about the program but were now planning to use it. That felt like a small but real win!

Beyond individual behaviors, the experience highlighted the gap between sustainability awareness and action. Some students were unaware of the Friendlier initiative despite it being available on campus, showing how sustainability programs struggle with visibility. This reminded me of similar challenges in tourism, where hotels and destinations promote sustainability, but without education and engagement, participation remains low. It reinforced how critical education and visibility are to the success of any sustainability effort.

Another takeaway was how localized actions contribute to global sustainability. Initially, I saw Friendlier as just a campus initiative, but I realized it’s part of a larger movement toward waste reduction and circular economies. Many places struggle with single use waste, and Humber’s implementation made me think about applying similar models in hotels, resorts, and restaurants globally. Sustainability isn’t just about policy changes, it’s about practical, everyday solutions that drive systemic change.

Volunteering also came with challenges, such as engaging busy students and securing time in classes to spread awareness. We had to refine our approach, making our message concise and engaging to capture attention quickly. Navigating the cafeteria while having meaningful conversations was complex, but these obstacles reinforced the importance of adaptability and strong communication skills. Despite the difficulties, the initiative’s impact is clear, it not only reduces single use waste but also fosters a sense of responsibility, encouraging students to rethink their consumption habits.

Seeing Humber’s dedication to sustainability made me reflect on how similar initiatives could be implemented in other institutions and industries to create a broader impact. The Friendlier initiative demonstrates how small, community-driven changes can have a significant impact. It also encouraged us to examine our own consumption habits and consider how we can further reduce waste in our daily lives.

By economic we mean it as a benefit of Friendlier users, Friendlier also promote economic sustainability by the deposit-refound model that encourages the users (in this case students) to return the containers and get back $0.50cad, and by that, the Friendlier company ensures to reduce losses and maintain the supply of reusable containers; For this we create a long term cost savings for businesses, also Friendlier contribute with job creations by requiring workers for different areas like the container collection, cleaning and distribution.

By social, we mean that the Friendlier system encourages the consumers habits of making waste reduction; With the QR code that every container has users get actively engage in the sustainability practice because when you downland the app and you start scanning your containers they start giving you "Badges" and they told you the worth of what you save for example "Tennis ball" correspond to the first scan and it says "Congratulations, you saved the weight of a tennis ball in plastic waste" and by that the consumers get more engage in doing the returns of the containers.

Friendlier also contributes to the Global Sustainability Goals (SDGs) like SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, because they promote a reusable container and by that they reduce the waste; SDG 13: Climate Action, they help lowering greenhouse gas emissions with an single use containers and disposal.

Friendlier is a really good option to reduce waste and help the environment by being a sustainable option for schools, workplaces, etc.