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ReThink Disposable, a program of Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund, aims to stop trash 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.

Businesses & Organizations

Plate Fork Knife

 

Organizations large and small are saving $1000s of dollars each year and winning over their diners in a whole new way by championing our movement. Restaurants, cafes, venues, schools, non-profits, and many others are working with ReThink Disposable to switch foodware to sustainable alternatives for a long-term impact. Reduce Waste, Save Money, and Go Green - Join us!

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Local & State Governments

Government Building

 

Governments are joining us to take the lead on the global plastic pollution problem. ReThink Disposable is partnering 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. We offer guidance and support for local businesses and organizations to achieve sustainable solutions, creating positive, long term, and healthier changes for the environment *and* for their bottom line!

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Individuals & Communities

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 by stopping trash before it starts - and encouraging others to do the same! 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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Our Impact

28,000,000
Pieces of single use foodware items replaced yearly
277,390
Pounds of waste no longer created every year
$744,774
Annual cost savings
500+
Number of business & organizational partners

Case Studies

Reusable cup sign at music venue and group of attendees posing with their cups

The Warfield

The Warfield, originally built in the 1920s, was a vaudeville and movie palace and became a 2,250-person capacity concert hall in 1979. In 2023, The Warfield successfully made the switch from single-use plastic and paper cups to reusable cups with a small sustainability fee generating yearly revenue.
Utensil Station at Ballast Coffee after reusable item switch

Ballast Coffee

"Reusables [are] the only way small businesses like Ballast should move forward. We all need to do our part in contributing to a sustainable future. Small things add up fast. If we all do our part, what a difference we all can make."
Kids with paper plates before switching to reusable options, San Carlos Youth Center

San Carlos Youth Center (Video)

"Working with ReThink Disposable was such a great experience! With their help, our Youth Center staff were not only educated but provided the resources to eliminate single-use disposable foodware and significantly reduce our daily waste. Thanks to ReThink Disposable we will be getting our after school participants into the habit of doing all we can to reduce our impact on the planet."

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Publications