Tabatha Carter said she believes there is no such thing as throwing something away.
As a cashier at Earth Fare, Carter, senior in human development and family studies, encourages customers to bring in their own bags. Rather than plastic bags, Earth Fare uses paper ones that can be recycled.
Carter also shows her dine-in customers what is recyclable.
Carter said customers usually think the paper cups and to-go boxes are trash.
"When they eat there, they don't really know what's recyclable," Carter said. "Everything that we have is recyclable. They don't understand; they think it's all just trash. But I help them put it in the right recycle bins."
Carter said her interest in working at Earth Fare began simply because she needed a job. She has been interested in sustainability, organic and healthy eating since she took Global Consumer Culture, a class in human sciences.
"They both kind of play off of each other I guess," Carter said.
Carter said the biggest impact Earth Fare has is through Itty Bitty Bites Night. Every Thursday, for each adult who purchases a meal for $5 or more, up to six kids can eat for free.
"It's not about making money," Carter said. "It's really just about teaching the younger generation about eating healthy and recycling."
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
