ReThink Disposable

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.

Rhode Island ReThink Disposable: Stop Trash Before It Starts

Businesses

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

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

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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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

Powderface

Located in Fruitvale Village, Powderface serves the best beignets west of New Orleans, serving both traditional and vegan beignets. Powderface will not only divert over 77,000 single pieces of harmful disposable plastics every year but will also enjoy a $3,000 annual savings.

Parra’s

Parra’s is a traditional Mexican restaurant in the heart of the Fruitvale. Parra’s was already using reusable foodware for their dine-in guests but were still relying on plastic straws and sauce cups. Replacing them with stainless steel reusable foodware will positively impact the community diverting over 41,000 pieces of harmful disposable plastics annually.

Hogar Latino Panaderia Y Restaurant

Located in the heart of the Fruitvale on International Boulevard, Hogar Latino Panaderia Y Restaurant serves Honduran and Salvadoran food with an amazing juice bar and, arguably, some of the best tamales in Oakland. After switching to 100% resusable dine-in foodware, they'll be saving $3,120 annually!

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ReThink Disposable Partner: Karakade Thai Cuisine

Join the ReThink Disposable Movement!

ReThink Disposable helps food service providers from restaurants to cafeterias to soup kitchens and music venues shift away from single-use foodware to resuable sustainable alternatives. Save money and save the planet - contact us to learn more!

ReThink Disposable - Participant Map

These businesses have partnered with ReThink Disposable to reduce waste by switching from single-use foodware items to sustainable alternatives. Stop by and show your support!

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.