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
Organizations large and small are saving $1000s of dollars each year and winning over their diners in a whole new way by championing our movement. Restaurants, cafes, venues, schools, non-profits, and many others are working with ReThink Disposable to switch foodware to sustainable alternatives for a long-term impact. Reduce Waste, Save Money, and Go Green - Join us!
Local & State Governments
Governments are joining us to take the lead on the global plastic pollution problem. ReThink Disposable is partnering 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. We offer guidance and support for local businesses and organizations to achieve sustainable solutions, creating positive, long term, and healthier changes for the environment *and* for their bottom line!
Individuals & Communities
We couldn't be successful without a movement of ReThink Disposable champions and leaders to bring about change in their communities by stopping trash before it starts - and encouraging others to do the same! 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
Middletown, CT Public School District
The Middletown Public School System consists of ten schools (eight elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school) and enrolls around 4,500 students. For many years, the Director of Food, Nutrition, and Wellness Services has eagerly taken on sustainability initiatives in the cafeterias such as the separating kitchen food scraps for composting with Blue Earth Compost, purchasing reusable cloth bags for the breakfast program, and implementing hard reusable plastic cafeteria trays. Now they are working with ReThink Disposable with the goal of phasing out all disposable dining ware.
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.
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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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Publications
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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