As restaurants and eateries have pivoted to offer more to-go meal options during the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of single-use packaging has increased. Businesses seeking to save money and reduce waste can reap numerous benefits while demonstrating a commitment to sustainability by reviewing and adopting different practices for to-go items. RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts (RecyclingWorks) now…
As described by Forbes, Massachusetts-based Ocean Spray is one of the latest brands partnering with TerraCycle to reduce the disposal of single-use materials. Through this partnership, consumers can collect the empty flexible plastic packaging used for Ocean Spray snack products and send these items to TerraCycle for recycling using a pre-paid shipping label. Looking beyond…
Belly of the Beast is a fast-casual restaurant in Northampton focused on using local ingredients and engaging in sustainable practices. Although operations were disrupted due to COVID-19, Belly of the Beast has been able to maintain a focus on waste reduction while strengthening ties to the local community and feeding those in need. Recently, Belly…
If your business is resuming in-person operations after a period of closure, you may have questions about resuming your trash and recycling services. Here are some important tips to keep in mind as you reopen: Contact your waste hauler – It is critical to provide advanced notice to your waste hauler(s) that you need to…
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently recognized four Massachusetts entities with 2019 Food Recovery Challenge (FRC) awards. The Food Recovery Challenge is a voluntary program for organizations and businesses to implement strategies to reduce food waste in their operations in alignment with the Food Recovery Hierarchy. If your organization is not already a Food…
As restaurants and wholesalers adjust their operations due to COVID-19, wholesalers and distributors have been left with existing inventories of perishable food. To keep up with changing practices, some Massachusetts food wholesalers and distributors that normally serve businesses are setting up direct-to-consumer home delivery to move their supply of fresh produce and other foods. Boston.com…
Anaerobic digestion infrastructure has expanded in Massachusetts, creating an important outlet for commercial organic waste. One company, Vanguard Renewables, operates five anaerobic digesters on dairy farms across the state, which provide opportunities for supermarkets, food manufacturers, restaurants, and other businesses to divert their food material from disposal and comply with the Massachusetts commercial organics waste…
After a year of preparation, food rescue organization Lovin’ Spoonfuls launched their first delivery in Hampden County last month. The Boston-based organization feeds hungry people by collecting surplus edible food from local businesses and institutions and delivering it to shelters, food pantries, and other groups that serve food-insecure populations across the state. Lovin’ Spoonfuls has…
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s (MassDEP’s) 2014 commercial organics disposal ban has already had a significant impact on the state’s diversion of food materials, as well as growth in the food waste marketplace. Since the ban was implemented, annual food waste diversion has increased by 180,000 tons, food donation has increased by 22%, and…
According to the USDA, approximately half of the average American’s food budget is allocated to meals eaten outside the home. As quick service and fast casual restaurants become ubiquitous, there is also an associated increase in the amount of waste produced. Many Boston area restaurants are taking steps through their purchasing and operations to reduce…
