The flowers are in full bloom, the sun is shining brightly, and Zero Waste Arlington is championing a variety of community events filled with summer fun and reuse activities Arlington Beer Garden For the second year in a row, Zero Waste Arlington is partnering with the Arlington Recreation Department and beer vendor Arlington Brewing Company…
When Boston University (BU) identified an opportunity to replace single-use takeout containers on campus in February 2023, it considered several solutions and then launched its innovative and practical reuse program. “Our goal was to change habits around reuse,” said Lexie Raczka, Sustainability Director for Boston University Dining Services. “We don’t have a default option. We…
Trying a new recipe that needs a pinch of something not on your spice shelf? Devouring your favorite local honey and noticing a pile of jars stacking up? Fulfilled Goods of Newton has you covered. Opened in 2022, Fulfilled Goods is a low-waste, package-free market and bulk refillery. It offers everything from dried goji berries…
Are you interested in reusables but don’t have commercial dishwashing capabilities, space, or time? Third-party warewashing may be the solution. Pegasystems (Pega) is a software company headquartered in Waltham, MA. One of the perks of working from their offices is the staff pantries offering coffee, tea, and other beverages for employees. Pega realized the pantry…
Headed to the Cape to put your feet in the sand and a cool drink in your hand? Haley O’Neil and Adam Gracia with CARE for the Cape and Islands and the Use Less Plastic Coalition are kicking off three initiatives to reduce single-use plastics during Plastic Free July. Bring Your Own Cup (BYOC) Initiative…
Understanding Reusables: A Comprehensive Overview and Key Resource The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) Solid Waste Master Plan outlines goals to reduce waste in MA 30% by 2030 and 90% by 2050. How do we get there? By everyone doing their part. The MassDEP Reduce and Reuse Working Group identified food establishment single-use waste…
Replacing single-use foodservice container options with reusables can reduce both disposal costs and long-term purchasing needs for restaurants and other food service businesses. According to Clean Water Action, packaging waste makes up approximately 30% of waste disposed of in the US, and these products “consume a tremendous amount of resources — including oil, trees, energy,…
The Recycling & Reuse Business Development Grant (RBDG) program is intended to help Massachusetts recycling processors and manufacturers create sustainable markets for eligible materials, and to add value to municipal and business recycling efforts. Selected applicants will receive grant awards of between $50,000 and $400,000. Targeted materials for the 2021 RBDG are: Container glass: developing…
As reported by Cape Cod Times, the Massachusetts Oyster Project successfully collected 25,000 pounds of shells from Wellfleet restaurants. These shells will be scattered along the Wellfleet harbor to restore oyster habitat instead of going for disposal. Eight local Wellfleet restaurants signed up for the pilot program and successfully sorted the shells into designated containers…
Restaurateurs and business owners are faced with numerous demands on a regular basis – from pleasing customers, to operational logistics, to balancing books, to adapting to changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. MetroWest Daily News recently highlighted another factor businesses must consider: establishing and maintaining successful recycling and composting programs. Cardboard, bottles and cans,…
