ReThink Disposable Resources
Publications and Case Studies from our ReThink Disposable Team
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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 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!
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.
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!
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
La Torta Loca
Located on International Boulevard,you will find La Torta Loca a quaint, mainly take-out restaurant that serves delicious tortas, sopas, and standard Fruitvale fare of burritos and tacos. Since their business is 75% to-go, we only converted 25% of their disposables to reusable, and yet La Torta Loca shows that even small reuse changes can add up and save restaurant owners money.
Emil’s Burger & Breakfast
Located in Fruitvale Village, Emil’s Burger & Breakfast prides itself on the freshest ingredients, hand-selected by the owner daily and cooked fresh to order. They had been serving their customers on disposable paper and plastics. Now, people are noshing on their delicious burgers with reusable foodware and enjoying an elevated dining experience.
Berkeley Unified School District: Phase One
By transitioning from single-use disposable food packaging to less-toxic durable alternatives at just 3 out of 16 schools, BUSD expects to eliminate 46,000 single-use utensils and 73,000 single-use trays in a given school year.
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ReThink Disposable - The Problem
Unless we prevent packaging at the source it will continue to flow down the watershed to the ocean, requiring constant and costly management and removal, and will continue to disproportionately impact environmental justice communities near waste facilities. Packaging prevention in food service businesses and institutional dining operations is a win-win by saving them thousands of dollars and preventing large amounts of waste and litter prone packaging.
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ReThink Disposable - Community
We wouldn'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 and be the change you want to see in the world!
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Blog Posts
Publications
News
Make a Special Gift to support ReThink Disposable!
By permanently replacing single-use disposable foodware with reusable alternatives, your tax-deducible donation will have a meaningful impact for years to come.
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