By Madison Davis, California Waste Program Intern Since starting my summer internship at Clean Water Action in Oakland, I’ve discovered how little I really knew about how disposable containers’ impact our environment. Of course as a life long environmentalist, I’ve always tried to do what I could to limit my impact on our precious resources. Using reusable bottles over disposable ones has always been a given for me, but other disposable containers weren’t completely out of the question before I started working at Clean Water Action. For some reason our society has yet to recognize that single use products, such as fro-yo cups, to go containers or disposables offered at restaurants for dinning in, are just as bad for the environment as coffee cups. The other day I went out for frozen yogurt with my brother and friend. I brought reusable containers and spoons for all of us, but the two of them were completely weirded out by the idea of using any containers for their treats other than the ones offered. Now that I am educated on the matter, bringing my reusable container for yogurt was no different than bringing my reusable cup for coffee, or always having my metal water bottle on me, ready for a refill. But why did it take me, a self-proclaimed environmentalist, working at Clean Water Action to solidify my reusable habits? Why is it not yet socially acceptable to bring other reusable containers every where we go, the same way it is totally normal to have my reusable water bottle cling to my side all day long? I’ve heard some people argue for sanitary reasons. If your container isn’t clean, you might get some of the store equipment dirty, and then if someone gets sick from it, the store is held liable. But nearly all coffee shops will accept your reusable mug without fear of being sued, so why is a bowl any different? Imagine a world without disposable containers. Or where every to go container could have a long reusable and then recyclable life? This world is not far out of our reach. When people know the extent that disposable containers destroy our world, they pick up their reusable containers every morning, ready to fight against the single-use world. Clean Water Action’s Rethink Disposable division hosts The Lunchbox Project that encourages people through demonstration to do just that. The Lunchbox Project is a series of flash mob type awareness campaigns where everyday people are encouraged to bring their reusable containers, utensils, cloth napkins and cups to their favorite eatery to stop the waves of litter and end the stigma against reusables, one person at a time. The Lunchbox Project aims to educate the community on how simple changes to their day-to-day can create lasting impacts. The Lunchbox Project features Bag and Trash Monsters that go to battle with a personified Lunchbox. Sadly, the amount of disposable monsters seem to overwhelm the reusable advocates in this battle, so the Lunchbox must enlist the help of the community to win the tug of war battle against the disposable monsters. Kids are encouraged to join in with the Lunchbox and help her defeat the evil disposables. Change starts with each person understanding how his or her habits effect the environment. The Lunchbox Project shows the community that we can be the answer to pollution instead of part of the problem. Visit Rethink Disposable on Facebook to see what the campaign to eliminate waste looks like in action. To find out if there is a Lunchbox event coming up, take a look at the project's Facebook page.
