One of the things that's made me sad during the pandemic (besides all the... pandemic) has been the increase in disposables and single use items. I was originally optimistic about the potential eco silver linings with people staying at home, not commuting to work. Remember those early pictures of smog reduction in the cities? But then, just a couple months into it, we all started going out a bit, and the gains in smog returned to normal, and we swung far into the other direction. We could drive through and takeout from restaurants, which meant tons of disposable packaging, and so many people wore (and littered) single use masks.
Now that we are able to go back inside restaurants, and with new laws like Washington state's single use serviceware law (to not automatically include plastic utensils, straws, etc), now is a great time to double down on reusables.
Consider bringing your own durable straws and utensils to casual restaurants, and your reusable mugs to coffee houses. Consider bringing a small takeout container in your purse or backpack for your leftovers.
As an incentive, many coffee houses who had to pause allowing customers to bring their own mugs during the height of COVID, have now resumed their programs, many times including a small discount. Starbucks, who previously offered a $0.10 discount, is now doubling their rewards. You get both the $0.10 discount, as well as 25 stars if you're a rewards member.
They just announced this on Earth Day. It's currently only available in-store, but they taken goals to make bringing your own cup an option for drive through and mobile by 2023.
Not a Starbucks fan? Check out incentives programs from your favorite coffee shop or restaurant for bringing your own reusables.
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