Refillables and Reusables
Normalize Reuse
Grow Supporting Reuse Systems
Create an Enabling Policy Environment
The Indisposable Podcast Episode 163, August 2024
RESOURCES
This extensive webpage provides several resources for community activists, business entrepreneurs, and policymakers to help "tackle throw-away systems and create a future where both people and the planet are treated as indisposable."
Happen Ventures is a sustainability company focusing on reselling, reusing, repairing, and recycling.
Key for the graphic.
ASSUMPTIONS:
*Data represents waste, water, CO2, and tree impacts from paper and foam 16 ounce and 32 ounce disposable
hot and cold cups. Only waste data on plastic cups is included.
*Assumes all cups go to landfill with a 50% decomposition factor.
*Water only includes process and cooling usage in manufacturing.
*GHG emission only factor in fossil fuels for process and transport.
SOURCES:
1 https://plasticfoodservicefacts.com/life-cycle-inventory-foodservice-products
2 http://www.freedoniagroup.com/industry-study/3174/cups-and-lids.htm
3 http://c.environmentalpaper.org/home
4 http://ourworld.unu.edu/en/storm-in-a-paper-cup
5 https://www.bostonglobe.com/magazine/2014/04/02/why-paper-cups-just-aren-greener/W3TIBJ9dff8INlumPQvHSI/story.html
6 http://grist.org/article/plastics/
Graphic from the Executive Summary from Upstream
"The problem isn’t just plastic, it’s the throw-away culture."
Eliminating plastic but failing to change the single-use, disposable paradigm results in “regrettable substitutions” that can be just as harmful, if not more so, than plastic."
Single-use alternatives to fossil-fuel based plastics that also cause environmental harm: biobased plastics, aluminum, paper, and wood.
Although not yet in New Hamphsire, ReThink Dispoable is working in neighboring states.
Click above to read an article and access a report from Upstream. Among other things, the report highlights that venues and events companies should begin shifting away from all single-use cups, not just single-use plastic, and that single-use aluminum cups are not a sustainable option.
10 simple steps you can take to move closer to zero waste and reduce single-use plastic pollution
Full-time members of the Dartmouth community can join the program with a $10.00 investment.
When entering 53 Commons, indicate you would like to take your meal to-go when swiping in.
Join the sustainable to-go program
Exchange an empty used container or a carabiner for a clean container
Companies Offering Reuse and/or Refill
Refillable beauty products that are offered in bottles that can be returned and refilled. Plaine Products also offers minimal, reusable packaging.
USEFULL built a system with a 99% return rate!
The BYOBottle Campaign engages artists, venues, festivals, and fans to reduce plastic waste in the music industry by promoting reusable water bottles and water refill stations at music events.
Tap is on a mission to reduce single-use water bottles. Use the Tap website or app to search for water stations, water quality, and water delivery.
"Tap is a mission driven technology company developing software and selling hardware solutions to eliminate the single-use plastic water bottle, reduce carbon emission in cities and communities worldwide, and build the trusted brand in water."
Takeout made sustainable!
Replacing single-use takeout containers by introducing a collect & return system that is convenient, cost-efficient, and environmentally friendly.
Customizable Water Bottles
EarthHero does customizable, sustainable swag. The first section of their catalog features drinkware items. The options include Hydro Flask and Kleen Kanteen products. https://earthhero.com/customswag/
You can go directly through the individual companies as well:
For metal bottles with out plastic tops try https://www.flasky.com/custom-metal-bottles — they offer bulk prices and printing.
"Since 1996, Preserve has made products that are good for both people and the planet. We transform yogurt cups into toothbrushes and take-out containers into tableware. Through innovations in sustainable materials, recycling systems, and performance-driven design, Preserve has created low-impact, stylish products to accompany you in your day-to-day life."
Recirblable is working to provide eco-conscious consumers and restaurants the opportunity to reduce waste by offering reusable containers for takeout as an alternative to single use containers.
See what's happening in Europe in the refillable container space.
"BYO stands for Bring Your Own. Add C for containers, M for mugs, U for utensils, or N for napkins. The possibilities are aplenty. We are America’s BYO enthusiasts for community, climate and environmental justice. "
January 2023 Past Action
ANYTIME in the month of January 2023, simply click this link to see a letter to Starbucks
Thanking them for incentivizing consumers to bring their own coffee mug;
Asking them to charge for single-use coffee cups; and
Asking them to post noticeable signage and instruct baristas to inform customers of the 25 star reward for bringing reusable containers
It's as easy as
following the link,
finding out who is the Starbuck's District Manager in your area,
copy and pasting the letter into an email, and pushing send!
Thanks for participating!
