Reusable Food and Beverage Ware in Food Service is a Win-Win for Cost Savings and the Environment
Over 300 million tons of plastic are produced every year globally and less than 9% is recycled. By 2050 plastic is expected to outweigh all fish in the oceans. Much of this marine debris is a result of disposable plastic products, specifically single-use disposable food and beverage packaging, that have a short life span and are quickly thrown “away.” Plastic pollution implications are vast and harmful spanning its extraction through disposal. The most effective measure that reverses this and ultimately prevents ocean-bound plastic is to reduce it at the source and to stop using single-use disposable plastics.
The Bay Foundation (TBF) partners with ReThink Disposable, a technical assistance program of Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund, to prevent excess waste before it starts. In doing so, restaurants and other food operators cut costs and improve the dining experience for patrons. View the resources below for the results of TBF’s initial implementation in 2018!
In 2023, TBF partnered with the City of Los Angeles, Clean Water Action, and APTIM to co-implement the City of Los Angeles’ Reusable Foodware Microgrant Program as a technical assistance lead. This program supports food service businesses (restaurants) in preventing disposable foodware waste by offering technical assistance, funds, and training to upgrade existing disposable foodware to reusable tableware. In this initial pilot, microgrant priorities are within South L.A., Wilmington, Boyle Heights, and Pacoima (areas disproportionately impacted by the overconcentration of environmental hazards).
TBF is also a proud member of Reusable LA, a coalition of partners working to resolve LA’s plastic pollution issue by championing a reusable culture and empowering other cities to do the same.
Check out the resources below to learn more and get involved!
Project Highlights
ReThink Disposable at SoCal Yacht Clubs
In follow up to a successful pilot with six Northern California yacht clubs in 2019, Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund partnered with The Bay Foundation and California State Park and the California Coastal Commission’s Boating Clean and Green Program in 2021 to implement ReThink Disposable at three yacht clubs in Los Angeles County. In all, the three clubs’ efforts annually eliminate:
- 58,799 single-use disposables items
- 845 pounds of trash prevented from entering landfills
- $2,726.30 in total net savings
City of Los Angeles Reusable Foodware Microgrant Program
In 2023, the City of Los Angeles launched the Reusable Foodware Microgrant Program to help advance its single-use plastic reduction initiative and to assist food service establishments with their transition to reusable foodware (e.g., plates, cups, bowls, etc.) and foodware accessories (e.g., utensils, napkins, straws, etc.). Through this program, food service establishments will receive free technical assistance, training, as well as the purchase, delivery, and set up of reusable foodware and foodware accessories. Are you a restauranteur in Los Angeles? Learn more and apply today!
The Conservatory Reduces Disposable Items by 65%
As a result of implementing ReThink Disposable’s recommendations in 2018, The Conservatory is preventing the use of 205,008 disposable items and 2,118 pounds of waste annually, while earning an ongoing net cost savings each year of $6,898.82 from the avoided foodware purchases.
“I think everybody wants to do the right thing but some of us need more encouragement than others. It’s nice to have someone to be accountable to. This program has kept us accountable, which is great. I have wanted to make these changes for a while now and some of the changes I haven’t even thought of before, so I am glad to have signed up for this program.”
– AJ Barish, Owner, The Conservatory
Hold the Plastic, Please! Support Restaurants in Reducing Waste
Several new laws have been passed locally to reduce excess plastic and waste. As these laws come into effect, Reusable LA is working to support restaurants in the transition and clarify any confusion. If you love eating out, join us in supporting restaurants by sharing these info cards to relay tools to reduce waste and comply with legislation.
ReThink Disposable at SoCal Yacht Clubs
In follow up to a successful pilot with six Northern California yacht clubs in 2019, Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund partnered with The Bay Foundation and California State Park and the California Coastal Commission’s Boating Clean and Green Program in 2021 to implement ReThink Disposable at three yacht clubs in Los Angeles County. In all, the three clubs’ efforts annually eliminate:
- 58,799 single-use disposables items
- 845 pounds of trash prevented from entering landfills
- $2,726.30 in total net savings
City of Los Angeles Reusable Foodware Microgrant Program
In 2023, the City of Los Angeles launched the Reusable Foodware Microgrant Program to help advance its single-use plastic reduction initiative and to assist food service establishments with their transition to reusable foodware (e.g., plates, cups, bowls, etc.) and foodware accessories (e.g., utensils, napkins, straws, etc.). Through this program, food service establishments will receive free technical assistance, training, as well as the purchase, delivery, and set up of reusable foodware and foodware accessories. Are you a restauranteur in Los Angeles? Learn more and apply today!
