DURHAM, N.C. —The Duke University Blue Devils are continuing their efforts to go green.

• Plastic utensils won't be available at dining location on campus
• Ban went into effect July 1
• School is switching to plant-based products

The university is now banning all disposable plastic utensils at all of its dining locations. The ban went into effect July 1 just before students return in August.

“But what they won't see are traditional plastic straws, traditional plastic utensils, traditional coffee cups that have the plastic lining,” Marcus Carson with Duke Dining said.

Instead, the school is switching to biodegradable, plant-based products. The move is to cut down on landfill waste.

“We want to keep as many of these disposable items out of the landfill as possible,” Carson said.

Campus administrators say the final straw for them to make the switch was the growing, national movement. But the transition isn't cheap. It's costing the university more to make the switch.

“So it is an investment that we've decided to make in our dining operations it's because we are committed,” Carson said.

It's an investment students say is well worth it.

“I'm really glad that it's turning to plant-based and bringing that movement to a campus,” student Sarah Nelson said.