Heidelberg University’s Enactus team is transforming everyday concerns into meaningful change through their latest initiative, Berg Waste Wise—a student-led project focused on reducing food waste and promoting sustainability on campus.
The project was inspired by a common concern among team members: the significant amount of food waste generated during campus dining hours.
“Since my freshman year at Heidelberg, I’ve noticed the amount of food waste generated in the cafeteria,” said Enactus member and project leader Lillian Robeson. “That observation sparked my interest in finding a solution, and Enactus—our campus’s social entrepreneurship group—became the perfect platform to turn that idea into action.”
Team member Gabrielle Pastorius added, “I had never realized or been conscious of how much food is wasted throughout the day at Hoernemann, so being able to now know, educate others, and make a difference in the amount of waste and what is done with it is so meaningful.”
Initially, the team set out to compost food scraps from all four major dining locations: Hoernemann Refectory, The HeidelBean!, Berg Bistro 1850, and Rock Creek Café. However, with just one small compost bin available, measuring 18x18x28 inches, the group quickly realized that a full-scale program would require more resources. In response, they shifted their focus to a food waste study, laying the groundwork for future expansion with data and community education.
During lunch hours from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Enactus team collected one bag of compostable waste while also speaking with students about what can and cannot be composted, and why it matters.
“It was a great start to raising awareness,” Lillian shared. The team hopes these interactions spark new conversations and encourage more sustainable habits around campus.
Looking ahead, Enactus plans to invest in a food scale to track waste by weight, giving them the data they need to grow the project effectively. In partnership with Parkhurst Dining, they’re also planning two hands-on workshops, one focused on food regrowth and another on composting in small spaces, designed to empower students to take sustainability into their own hands.
For their spring efforts, the group is celebrating Earth Day on April 22 by handing out dirt pudding cups from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. while promoting food waste reduction and conscious consumption. Whether students are stopping by for a sweet treat or to learn more about composting, Enactus hopes the event inspires lasting change.
Through Berg Waste Wise, the Enactus team is laying the groundwork for a greener, more mindful Heidelberg – one step, one collection, and one conversation at a time.
— by Kaidan Mathias '25