top of page

PLASTIC ALTERNATIVES

web image reduce plastic take-out containers.png

The Best Solution Is To Avoid Using Plastic In Any Form!

For In-house Service: Use reusable dishware, glassware, and utensils. Provide straws only upon request. If a straw is requested, provide eco-friendly plant-based straws as an alternative. For leftovers, encourage customers to bring their own reusable containers.

​

For Takeout Service: Provide straws and utensils only upon request. Avoid using Styrofoam/foam products, plastic (especially black plastic), or any polypropylene materials. For plastic alternatives, see options below.​​

Plastic Alternatives

​You want to avoid any plastic products that contain PFAS, PFOA, PFOS, BPA, PVC, Phthalates, or Polystyrene. If they advertise that their product is free of BPA or PFAS, that does not mean it is free of all the other harmful chemicals. Here are meal containers you may want to switch to. ​The alternative container options are listed in order, from most cost-efficient to least.

 

  • Customers bring their own takeout containers: it significantly reduces restaurant expenses over the long term. If you use a conservative cost of 30 cents per container and distribute 50 containers per week, your annual cost savings could be $780/year or $3,900 over 5 years.

  • Aluminum containers:

    • Aluminum is one of the most recyclable materials globally. It can be recycled repeatedly into new containers without loss of quality or purity. No waste. No garbage.

    • Aluminum, unlike Styrofoam and black plastic, is easily sorted at recycling centers.

    • Reduces exposure to harmful plastic chemicals, many of which are carcinogens, neurotoxicants, and hormone disruptors.

    • Costs less than most takeout containers.

  • Fiberboard: less expensive than black plastic, no plastic chemicals if the interior does not contain a chemical lining. Look for BPI Certification, which ensures the product is free of PFAS chemicals. It is not recyclable; however, it breaks down in the environment without releasing chemicals.

  • Paperboard: less expensive than black plastic, no plastic chemicals if the interior does not contain a chemical lining. Look for BPI Certification, which ensures the product is free of PFAS chemicals. It is not recyclable; however, it breaks down in the environment without releasing chemicals.

Promotion Of Reusable Takeout Containers

​To promote the change to reusable takeout containers, restaurants can implement some of the following strategies:

  • Offer discounts for customers who bring their own containers.

  • Create a loyalty program that rewards frequent users of reusable containers.

  • Encourage customers to bring their own takeout containers by adding a statement on your menu, website, and social media. 

  • Display signage in-store encouraging the use of reusables.

  • Institute a small charge for takeout containers, stating that due to switching to a more sustainable container, a small fee will be charged.

  • Provide clear information on the environmental benefits of reusables. Signage in restaurants, employee interactions with customers, and online information are a few educational tools that will help implement this change.

  • Partner with local organizations to raise awareness about sustainability.

  • Offer a selection of affordable, branded reusable containers for purchase. Safe materials include: stainless steel, glass, and silicone.

bottom of page