Be Sure to Visit Our Plastic Free July Participants!
Chesterton
Chesterton
Chesterton
Valparaiso
Valparaiso
Valparaiso
Chesterton
Chesterton
The Recycling and Waste Reduction District of Porter County, Mermaid Straw, and Valparaiso University invite you to participate in Plastic Free July, a worldwide campaign that intends to cut our use of single use plastics.
Small changes can make a huge impact. To participate, we ask restaurants to do the following:
- Reduce use of single use plastic straws by providing straws to customers only upon request
- Eliminate plastic bag use by providing them only upon request or changing to biodegradable paper bags
- Promote other reusables by encouraging customers to bring in their own cups/mugs or offering discounts when customers bring in a reusable container
Sign Up Now!
Participating Restaurants Will:
- Receive a discount code to Mermaid Straw to share with customers
- Save money on single use plastics for your business
- Receive a window cling to advertise your participation in this program and share your pledge to a cleaner Porter County
- Receive free promotion through our partners’ media platforms
Plastic Waste Pollution
Human health around the globe and the earth's natural environment are direly threatened by plastic waste.
Plastic-based pollution, which does not decompose, makes up a large portion of garbage generated locally and globally. Research is beginning to show the adverse health effects of ongoing exposure to plastic materials that pollute our soil, air, and water.
Developing Sustainable Solutions
Valparaiso University and Recycling and Waste Reduction District of Porter County would like to work with you to develop sustainable solutions for plastic waste in our community. PCWRI would like to educate local schools and develop sustainable solutions for plastic waste by conducting a plastic audit with the students. We hope to pair up with students who care about this issue, like the school’s environmental club, student council, sciences classes, etc.
What Does the Process Look Like?
Educational Presentations
Want to learn how to recycle better? Our team can give educational talks about recycling practices and the plastic pollution crisis.
Observation Assessments
Our team will do a walkthrough of your building to help identify waste management improvements.
Waste Audit Assistance
Our team will help your staff with performing a plastic waste audit, which will bring awareness to the types of plastic you are using.
Residential Survey
If you're a resident of Porter County, take our survey to help us gather data on plastic usage in your home.