Saying No to Single-Use Plastics: Portland Initiatives
I feel so lucky to be living in Portland, Oregon. Not only because of how beautiful it is, but because there are so many amazing sustainable initiatives, companies, and organizations out here! I spent last weekend trying out two amazing to-go ware reuse programs. Okapi Reusables provides to-go drink ware that can be returned to participating locations, and GO Box provide to-go food containers that can be returned to participating locations. These circular reuse systems save money, reduce waste pollution, and cut down on GHG emissions. I have met both of these amazing companies founders, and they have solidified my belief that individuals can take action and make changes that really matter on a large scale level!
As an individual, we have the power to inspire change by doing. When you order your drink or food in reusable packaging, or are seen walking around with it, you are showing people a new norm for the future. It is also a great opportunity for a conversation starter. While corporations and businesses have the power and responsibility to create change that can impact a community, it is the choices and the voices of the consumer that shift the market in the end. Read below to learn more about Okapi Reusables and GO Box!
Interested in learning about microplastics and their effects? Read our article here!
Okapi Reusables
I first learned of Okapi Reusables after I connected with them in a plastic reduction committee I lead through Climate Reality. With Okapi Reusable’s to-go cup reuse system, people in Portland can order their hot or cold beverages from participating locations in stainless steel cups. There are services similar to this one all over the world, and I am so excited to see this idea grow. Okapi Reusable makes incorporating sustainability into our daily routines SO easy! You download their easy to use app, pay a one-time $10 fee, show up to a participating cafe, and scan the provided QR code to “check-out” your reusable cup. I was so impressed with the durability of the cups. You can’t even feel a temperature change while holding the cup once your drink is inside, eliminating the need for a cup sleeve!
During my discussions with Emily and Deb, I was most curious about the overall response that business owners had when Okapi Reusables proposed their system. It was so great to hear that they have faced an overwhelmingly positive response from owners who were already interested in plastic reduction but didn’t know where to start. I think that a lot of business owners believe implementing zero or low waste measures will add extra costs, when in reality this isn’t the case. For example, Okapi Reusables has no upfront costs, which they offer by providing all of the cups and lids for free. The only “extra” step for the business is washing the cups and lids in a dishwasher. The impact of just three cafes choosing to offer this reuse program is 5,000-10,000 disposable cups being mitigated from the landfill!
They want their service, and other reuse programs, to break the social comfort barrier that many face when bringing their own containers. It can be awkward feeling like you are asking an employee to do something extra, and it can be nerve-wracking to think that they may say no or that you are inconveniencing them. When a reusable cup service is part of the default norm, it takes away the “uniqueness” of saying no to disposable cups. Smaller businesses are a great place to start implementing zero-waste measures because it creates pressure on bigger chains to make a change since they can’t argue that it is “impossible”.
Do you live in Portland, Oregon and want to nominate your local/favorite cafe for this reuse program? Submit here!
GO Box
GO Box is a takeout container reuse system that is partnered with restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores here in Portland. Your food gets packed into a dishwasher safe container, and then you just have to return it to a participating location before checking out your next container! Similar to Okapi Reusable, you pay a monthly or annual subscription fee and use their app to check out and return your containers. They have 3 different sizes, including a cute as heck pail, which can be used for pre-made food and bulk bins.
I love this initiative because they have so many exciting expansion plans that can really change the way that producers and consumers think about packaging. Plus, they really value making every aspect of their business transparent and as sustainable as possible. For example, their team bikes all over Portland to deliver and pick up the reusable containers to be washed and reused. Their website says that they have “pedaled over 10,000 miles … and prevented over 4 metric tons of CO2 emissions”. This is such an amazing way to cut back on transportation impacts for their circular system, and it really solidified my support of GO Box!
(Special shoutout to New Seasons Market for supporting this initiative, and for having some amazing vegan and bulk food options!)
Programs like GO Box and Okapi Reusable allow me to splurge on takeout food without having to feel guilt about the plastic waste! It is so important for our future that we make reusable packaging accessible so that everyone can have the ability to choose and say no to single-use plastics.
If you live in an area that has a similar program, I would love to heard down below in the comments, or through the Contact page!
