Clean Water Fund’s ReThink Disposable program is partnering with National Parks to eliminate single-use waste, protect fragile ecosystems, and build a model for parks across the country.
Small changes. Big impact.
Clean Water Fund’s ReThink Disposable program is working with National Parks to dramatically reduce single-use disposables and create systems that prioritize reuse.
Across diverse landscapes, from caves to deserts to coastal wetlands, these partnerships are:
- Cutting plastic trash
- Saving money
- Protecting natural ecosystems
Visitors also experience firsthand how reuse systems support environmental health, local economies, and sustainable park operations.
Why This Matters
Single-use plastics threaten even our most protected places. From pollution in waterways to harm to wildlife, disposable products leave a lasting footprint. This project proves that:
- Reuse systems can work in high-traffic destinations
- Sustainable operations can reduce costs
- National Parks can lead the way in environmental innovation
How Reuse Works
At each park, we are building simple, effective systems that make reuse easy for both visitors and staff:
- Visitors receive food and drinks in reusable containers
- Clearly marked return stations make drop-off convenient
- Items are collected, cleaned, and redistributed
This closed-loop system keeps waste out of landfills, reduces costs over time, and maintains cleaner, healthier park environments.
Our Approach
We are creating a scalable model that can be replicated across parks and public spaces nationwide:
- Design: Build customized reuse systems for each park
- Implement: Transition from single-use to reusable foodware
- Scale: Share results and expand solutions to other locations
Featured Parks
Mammoth Cave National Park
Julie Wedge, Clean Water Action ReThink Disposable Director, and Marta Young, Clean Water Action Zero Waste Specialist, at the Lantern Cafe inside the Lodge at Mammoth Cave.
About the Park:
The world’s longest known cave system, located in south-central Kentucky.
Our Work:
- Nearly eliminating single-use foodware
- Transforming dine-in and takeout operations
- Launching a dynamic composting program
Impact Vision:
Setting a national standard for sustainable park concessions.
Petrified Forest National Park
Marta Young, Clean Water Action Zero Waste Specialist, and Julie Wedge, Clean Water Action ReThink Disposable Director, at the Painted Desert Visitor Center.
About the Park:
Home to the highest concentration of petrified wood in the world, located in the high desert of northeastern Arizona on Navajo and Apache lands.
Our Work:
- Introducing reusable foodware systems
- Building composting infrastructure
Impact Vision:
Demonstrating how reuse can succeed in remote environments.
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Jamaica Bay Water Refill Station
About the Park:
A vital bird sanctuary within a wetland ecosystem, part of the Gateway National Recreation Area.
Our Work:
- Partnering with local concessions
- Demonstrating reuse systems in high-traffic areas
- Reducing waste at beach destinations
Impact Vision:
Proving reuse works in urban parks and coastal environments.
Big Picture Impact
Image of Marta Young, Clean Water Action Zero Waste Specialist, and Julie Wedge, Clean Water Action ReThink Disposable Director, with Lawrence Yazzee, General Manager of the Petrified Forest Trading Company (the official business concession in the park).
These partnerships are more than individual park projects, they are building a roadmap for change.
By demonstrating that reuse systems are practical, cost-effective, and scalable, this work is helping transform how public spaces operate nationwide.
What’s Next
We’re just getting started. Coming soon:
- In-depth case studies from each park
- Behind-the-scenes videos
- Virtual tours of reuse systems in action
These insights will help expand reuse solutions to parks, venues, and communities across the country.
Be Part of the Solution
Support efforts to protect our parks and reduce plastic pollution nationwide.
Learn More
Reuse and Refill! ExplorUS Partners with ReThink Disposable on Initiatives to Reduce Single-Use Plastics at Three National Park Sites
During Government Shutdown: Exploring Reusable Solutions at Petrified Forest National Park
