The problems:
- Plastic wrap
- Plastic utensils
- Plastic straws
- Plastic bibs
- Plastic to-go containers
- Plastic storage containers
- Coffee cup lids
- Drink stirrers
Aside from legislative and regulatory solutions that address the plastic pollution crisis its root, business owners play the second most crucial role in driving behavioral changes and setting a good example for change.
As a business owner, there’s a lot you can do to make it easier for your eco-conscious customers to avoid plastic and contribute to the larger cultural shift needed to solve the plastic pollution crisis. Significant progress cannot be made without you.
While recycling is commendable, it is not the ultimate solution for eliminating plastic waste. The greatest impact will be achieved through reuse and reduction. Continue reading to discover additional ways in which you can make a meaningful difference.
Skip the Stuff
Embrace the concept of #Skip the Stuff by implementing a policy that requires takeout and delivery “extras” such as single-use utensils, straws, condiments, napkins, and more to be provided only upon request. This way, if your customers truly need these items, they can still obtain them. However, if they don’t require them, there is no need to waste these resources. Furthermore, consider serving food and drinks to dine-in customers using reusable foodware, further reducing the reliance on single-use plastics.
Audit your Purchases
The first step is to review your purchases to ensure that they align with what your customers actually use, from delivery and food preparation to storage and disposal. This includes analyzing the monthly order size and costs of all plastic items used. Explore plastic-free alternatives and their associated costs. Ask yourself if certain items are necessary, if they can be replaced with reusable materials, or if there are non-plastic options available. Utilize the following resources and tips:
- Upstream’s Single-use to Reuse Savings Calculator can help you understand the costs and benefits of switching to reusables.
- Learn about the cash subsidy program to switch from single-use plastic to reusables and restaurant resources from Plastic Free Restaurants or join our local program: Plastic Waste Reduction Initiative – Porter County Recycling
- Learn about the best plastic-free foodware options and how to avoid greenwashing when making new product decisions with Surfrider Foundation’s Ocean Friendly Foodware Guide 2.0.
- Buy in bulk whenever possible.
- Buy with as little packaging as possible or packaging free, if available.
- Invest in stainless steel food containers with lids for storing and preparing food
- Eliminate unnecessary disposable items, like straws, drink stirrers, toothpicks, and lids for cups, or make available upon request only.
- Use real plates, cutlery and glasses, and cloth napkins, if possible.
- Do dishwashing and laundry on site.
- Provide glass or stainless-steel water dispensers for self-serve or refill pitchers.
- Where possible, shorten your supply chain to eliminate as much packaging as possible.
- Be creative with your to-go dishes. Use glass mason jars for salads or soups and offer a refund if the glass is returned, or let customers bring their own!
Arrangements
Provide condiments in self-serve dispensers.
- Use refillable containers made of glass, ceramic, or stainless steel for salt and pepper, sugar, oil and vinegar, hot sauce, etc.
- Put containers for stainless steel cutlery on tables or at a self-serve station.
- Change your restaurant receipts to use BPA-free paper, or email receipts if requested.
Storage
- Eliminate excess packaging wherever possible. Tell suppliers you do not want it.
- Use butcher, waxed, and parchment paper wherever possible instead of plastic wrap.
- Eliminate use of all polystyrene foam.
- Create back-of-house composting and recycling.
- Create front-of-house recycling.
Implement Change
- Examine which items are still being requested.
- Establish staff policies, protocol, and training (i.e. always ask customers, “Is this for here or to-go? Did you bring your own mug or container? Do you know about our discounts for bringing your own mug or container?”)
- Consider staff concerns and suggestions.
Educate
- Let customers know about the plastic pollution crisis and how you’re addressing it.
- Attach information explaining that your business is committed to working with the Plastic Reduction Alliance of Northwest Indiana to reduce single-use, disposable plastics at your establishment. Join or promote our Facebook group: Plastic Reduction Alliance of NWI | Facebook
- Offer financial incentives for customers who bring reusable cups, containers and utensils (5-10 cents off purchases of hot drinks, 25 cents for take-home containers, for example).
- When customers pay, ask them to fill out a short survey on how they view your new initiatives. Offer the survey with a wooden pencil instead of a plastic pen.
- Install a collection box for the surveys in a convenient location.
- Ask customers to spread the word about your efforts via social media, community groups, local media, etc. Suggested hashtags include: #PlasticPollutes #SkipTheStuff #RefillRevolution #UseRealStuff #MakeRealStuff #ThinkReusable #PlasticFree #NoPlasticStraws #BreakFreeFromPlastic #PlasticFreeJuly #PlasticReductionAllianceofNWI
- Urge staff and customers to take the pledge Plastic Free July: Register for the official Plastic Free July Challenge
Track results
- Review long-term vs short-term financial projections on a regular basis to evaluate the changes you’ve instituted.
- Do not fear change. Many business owners find that reducing plastic actually cuts costs in the long run.
- Consider the external costs of waste management or reduced waste created.
- Implement customer requests whenever possible. Let them know their voices are heard.
Sources:
https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/takeaction/guides/plastic-free-eateries
