NORTHAMPTON: Local businesses are partnering with Clean Water Action and Recirclable to reduce trash. Participating restaurants are offering free reusable take-out containers that customers check out and return.
“Individual choices to carry reusable mugs, water bottles, and utensils can only do so much. That’s why we are building local reuse systems that are easy for restaurants and customers to use as part of our ReThink Disposable campaign,” said Amber Schmidt, Clean Water Action’s Zero Waste Organizer.
Participating NoHo businesses are using the Recirclable app, which is free to download. When a customer takes home food from a local participating restaurant, they can check out one of the reusable containers using the app, at no charge, instead of using a disposable container that would end up in the trash. “It’s just like checking out a library book,” added Schmidt. “The app sends reminders of where and how to return it.”
“We care about the impact we have on the environment, so when Clean Water Action invited us to be part of this pilot, we were excited to get involved. The app is easy to use, and it really supports our efforts to be more sustainable,” said Sunia Hood, owner of La Veracruzana.
“We are big believers in ‘together we can do more’ and are delighted to participate in this initiative. For every customer who brings their food home in a reusable container, one fewer single-use container ends up in the landfill. One doesn’t seem like much, but it really adds up, and it is great to see our clientele recognize the fact that their sustainability decisions can make a difference,” explained Meaghan Sullivan, owner of Joe’s Cafe.
“Recirclable is thrilled to support Clean Water Action and local restaurants as they launch reuse solutions that cut waste and give customers easy, free options to make a positive impact. Together, we’re building a cleaner, healthier community,” added Recirclable co-founder, Margie Bell.
Clean Water Action is recruiting more businesses and downtown districts to join. “The more local businesses who join in, the more successful the program will be for everyone. We just did a huge trash study in Jamaica Plain in anticipation of launching another reuse program throughout the JP Center/South Main Street. This is easy to scale up, and a win-win for everyone. I’m really excited,” Schmidt said.
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Since our founding during the campaign to pass the landmark Clean Water Act in 1972, Clean Water Action has worked to win strong health and environmental protections by bringing issue expertise, solution-oriented thinking, and people power to the table. www.cleanwater.org
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. www.rethinkdisposable.org