A student-run eatery at the University of Manitoba did away with Styrofoam takeout containers, instead serving lunches in biodegradable containers.

Degrees Diner made the switch on Tuesday from polystyrene containers to containers that have no petroleum content and zero chlorine exposure. The containers are made from sugar cane, while the lids and cups are made from corn.

"We have heard a lot of feedback from students about Styrofoam, about unenvironmentally friendly products on campus. It's kind of a hot topic these days," University of Manitoba Students' Union vice-president Amanda Jonson said.

"But the No. 1 reason is just to take a leading step and say we are at least trying to take an initiative and be more environmentally responsible here on campus. And hopefully other people will catch on, not only on campus, but other food service options, other options all across the city and across Manitoba."

Patrons at the diner will be charged a 25-cent environmental levy as a result of the switch — a levy Odette Blankvoort said she doesn't mind paying because Styrofoam is not recyclable, and consumers pay for it in the end.

Jonson said the biodegradable containers work well with an on-campus composting program.

"When students are done with their takeout containers, they can just simply drop it in the recycling bin," she said.

"Our on-campus recycling environmental group, UMREG, will pick it up and give it over to the campus compost program, where they can fully [compost] instead of ending up in a landfill."