How to Reduce Single-Use Plastics at Your Food Truck
Plastic is cheap, functional, and convenient. It’s also filling our oceans and breaking down into micro-particles that contaminate everything from the air we breathe to the food we eat. Sadly, less than 10% of plastic waste is recycled globally. We can all work together to reduce the plastic waste that is quickly filling our planet. The first step is to eliminate single-use plastic products.
Use Paper Straws
A whopping 500 million plastic straws are used every single day in the United States. While this number is staggering, it gets even worse when you realize that most areas aren’t able to recycle them. Not only does this significantly add to the amount of plastic in our oceans and landfills, but it puts wildlife at risk as well. But what can be done? Offer paper. The paper straws of today aren’t the soggy mess that they used to be. Instead of using cheap, one-ply paper straws, go for three-ply spiraled paper straws, which can last 3 hours sitting in your customers’ favorite drinks.
Use Biodegradable To-Go Containers
The global pandemic has caused a massive influx in to-go orders worldwide. This translates to a huge increase in plastic and styrofoam to-go containers. Almost a quarter of all waste in U.S. landfills is made up of packaging and other containers. Choosing a biodegradable option will drastically reduce the amount of plastic waste out there, and help relieve the pressure on our bursting-at-the-seams landfills. There are wonderful paper options available, as well as durable and renewable molded fiber.
Use Non-Plastic Cutlery
Many European countries have already banned single-use plastics, and the United States is most likely not far behind. In fact, Hawaii, California, and Oregon already have bans in place. Moving to non-plastic cutlery will not only help the environment but will also keep you ahead of the game. There are several options on the market, from wooden and bamboo cutlery to compostable starch bioplastic and even edible cutlery.
Show your customers that you care about the environment by reducing your single-use plastic offerings at your food truck. With more affordable, practical options becoming available, it’s easier than ever to do your part. The time for change has come. We can no longer afford to be wasteful to the point of reckless abandon. If we all work together, we can save our planet one straw, one to-go container, and one spoon or fork at a time!
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