ReThink Disposable

ReThink Disposable, a program of Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund, aims to stop waste before it starts.

We work with local governments, businesses and institutions, and consumers of single use food packaging to inspire a cultural shift away from the single-use “throwaway” lifestyle.

By providing knowledge, guidance, and support, ReThink Disposable inspires change that leads to conserved resources, saved energy, and reduced litter polluting our oceans, lakes, and rivers.

ReThink Disposable - Stop waste before it starts

Businesses

Plate Fork Knife

 

Organizations large and small are saving thousands of dollars each year, and winning over their customers in a whole new way by championing our movement. For businesses, ReThink Disposable is a "win-win". Reduce Waste, Save Money, and Go Green - Join us!

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Governments

Government Building

 

Governments are joining us to take the lead on the global plastic pollution problem. We partner with local and state governments to innovate new programs and policies to meet waste and litter prevention goals, reducing pollution in local waterways and beyond.

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Community

Two figures sharing a high five

 

We couldn't be successful without a movement of ReThink Disposable champions and leaders to bring about change in their communities. Here's how you can take ACTION now to reduce plastic pollution and be the change you want to see in the world!

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The Problem - Our Throwaway Lifestyle

Many people forget that reduce and reuse come before recycling in the 3Rs of waste management (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle). While recycling is certainly important, there is often too much focus on diverting single-use disposables from the landfill by recycling or composting instead of stopping this waste before it starts.
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Blog Posts

Publications

Plastic Free July Forum: ReThink Disposable! | Video

Join the ReThink Disposable team and special guests for a discussion on reducing plastic pollution by switching businesses, institutions, and organizations to reusable foodware!

ReThink Disposable Case Study | House of Dim Sum (English & Chinese)

With support from ReThink Disposable, the House of Dim Sum restaurant eliminated 2.2 million disposable items from their yearly supply costs - an upfront investment of just $429 that will save $33,561 per year.

ReThink Disposable Case Study | Ballast Coffee

San Fransisco café owner Paolo Araneta, every bit as bold as the Barako coffee he serves, deployed a new reusable jar system for Ballast’s daily grab-and-go treats and eliminated single-use disposable containers.

ReThink Disposable Case Study & Video | San Carlos Youth Center

Even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, San Carlos Youth Center made a commitment to ditch all single-use disposables. With assistance from ReThink Disposable, The Youth Center gets ready to reopen their after school cooking class with safe and sanitary reusable foodware!

Through the Eyes of the Food Service Operator: A survey of Alameda County food businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic

Clean Water Fund surveyed Alameda County, CA restaurants that had previously adopted reusable options through the ReThink Disposable source reduction process. Core values around sustainability remain strong, however there is a clear need to educate both food operators and the public that reusables are just as safe as disposables .

ReThink Disposable: Unpackaging Alameda

With a grant from the California Ocean Protection Council, ReThink Disposable partnered with the City of Alameda to create a model for “unpackaging a city.”

ReThink Disposable Case Study | Manila Eatery

Manila Eatery is successfully implementing these ReThink Disposable cost saving practices: Switched from single-use plastic plates to reusable plates, and replaced two different sizes of single-use plastic bowls with reusable bowls.

Reuse During Covid Guide

ReThink Disposable & Clean Water Action/Clean Water Fund have released a timely guide for restaurants seeking to keep customers safe while at the same time honoring our commitment to the planet.

ReThink Disposable Case Study | Palo Alto Unified School District

Palo Alto Unified successfully transitions single-use foodware to reusable in 12 elementary schools using a central kitchen distribution model earning an annual net savings of $25,000.

ReThink Disposable Case Study | Hang Ten Boiler

Alameda, CA based Hang Ten Boiler hosts many dine in and to go customers, all hungry for their Hawaiian, Asian fusion, and Cajun style seafood dishes. After making the switch to all reusable in-house dining foodware - accounting for the costs of hiring a new dishwasher and water - Hang Ten saved $3,988 each year.

ReThink Disposable Case Study | The Conservatory for Coffee, Tea & Cocoa

The Conservatory for Coffee, Tea & Cocoa in Culver City, CA replaced disposable cups, utensils, and stirrers and advertised a "Bring Your Own Cup" incentive. The result was no impact to labor costs, only positive feedback from customers, and $6,899 saved in annual net cost savings.

ReThink Disposable Case Study & Video (English & Spanish) | Shish Grill

"First of all, your dishes are going to look a lot better, more presentable and more on the upscale side. And you’re going to save a lot of money. No one hates to do that. You work hard for your money, so saving will go a long way. Third of all, I mean, you’re going green, help the environment as well." - Nancy Annan, Owner

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