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Falafel, Etc. used to use reusable foodware, but, like many restaurants, they went all-disposable during the pandemic. Fremont’s incentive funding and ReThink’s technical assistance and support was just the assistance they needed to get back on track!

With the help of our ReThink Disposable Zero Waste Specialists, Falafel, Etc. is eliminating 4,129 pounds (the weight of a mid-size SUV!) from the waste stream, and the business is saving $11,779 annually, which can be reinvested into other upgrades to the space. They were able to cut their total disposable usage by 50% annually, and eliminate 100% of their single use disposables for dine in customers, elevating the dining experience.

Business Profile:

Falafel, Etc. has been serving the East Bay community for nearly 2 decades. Dedicated to delivering an authentic Palestinian/Israeli experience right from the Bay area, their falafel is world-class, Shawarma seasoning is imported from Israel, and Hummus is delectable.

Packaging practices prior to ReThink Disposable:

  • Small & medium bowls
  • Round & oval plates
  • Black plastic utensils
  • Paper coffee cups
  • Coffee cup lids
  • Plastic drink cups & water cups
  • Paper-wrapped plastic straws
  • Drink cup lids
  • Soup cup lids
  • Small & large sauce cups
  • Sauce cup lids

Recommendations Implemented:

  • Small & medium ceramic bowls
  • Ceramic plates
  • Stainless steel utensils
  • Ceramic coffee mugs
  • Stainless steel cups
  • Stainless steel straws
  • Stainless steel sauce cups
  • Eliminated the need for lids on coffee cups, drink cups, soup bowls, and sauce cups
Before & After
Restaurant placce setting with single-use disposable items like bowls, plates, and cups
Shawarma meal set out on ceramic plates and bowls with stainless steel utensils and sauce cups
Storefront of Falafal Etc restaurant
Business Information:

39200 Fremont Blvd
Fremont, CA 94538
United States

The Bottom Line

With the help of our ReThink Disposable Zero Waste Specialists, Falafel, Etc. is cutting their total disposable usage by 50% annually, and eliminating 100% of their single use disposables for dine-in customers, elevating the dining experience.

100%

reduction in single-use disposable foodware for dine-in customers

158,468 pieces

of single-use foodware eliminated from the waste stream annually

$11,779

in savings for the restaurant every year

It feels like a positive step for the restaurant and the environment. We like the fact that it gives our guests a more quality feel and enhances their dining experience for the better, while reducing our carbon footprint and lowering our overhead. Can't beat that!

-
Rum Alvarez, Manager
ReThink Disposable - Stop waste before it starts

Reducing Single-Use Food Packaging

ReThink Disposable works with local governments, businesses and institutions, and consumers of single use food packaging to inspire a cultural shift away from single-use "throwaway" lifestyle.

Learn More

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