This is part of the Don't Bus Throw-Away Tableware page. A major issue is the commercial social pressure to bus disposable tableware, but leave re-usable items at the table. (This was a competitive move by fast food franchises in the early 1960's.) Here are some approaches.

This site

Don't Bus Throw-Away Tableware and Utensils

What to say (push back on throw-away tableware)

"Forced straws"

- "Forced straws" are basically an industry strategy to gain acceptance for "throw-away" tableware. (hint: It's not the straw manufacturers.)

Microwavable plastics

Problems with "microwave safe" plastics

What Others are Saying

http://myplasticfreelife.com - by Beth Terry

Beth Terry is the person who successfully urged the Chlorox Company to recycle Brita filter cartridges in the US, when they previously only offered recycling in Europe.

National Restaurant Association Blog Entry - 4 tips to be a greener restaurant guest by Annika Stensson

describes declining straws and utensils and "bring your own".

http://www.bestrawfree.org - Let's go Strawless!

"Viv Biz Club Plastic Cutlery - Why People Use It and Why You Shouldn't

"Ask Pablo" - Ceramic Plates vs Paper Plates

"No Disposables" Campaign (Korea)

Korea Zero Waste Movement Network "No Disposables" factsheet (.pdf)

Discussion, "What to Say" and General Approaches

Discussion on "apartmenttherapy.com"

One comment describes a barbeque with both re-usable items and disposables, in which the guests choose the re-usables items.

www.sustainabilityissexy.com (archive.org), blog from www.sustainabilityissexy.com

directed to re-usable coffee cups. (also archive.org)

What Local Government is Doing

Montgomery County, Maryland (US) Plastic Bag Law

Example of a local law requiring fees for disposable grocery bags.
(text of statute) (.pdf) Under the law, retailers must charge customers for bags and may not provide a store credit to cover the bag tax amount. As a practical matter, this is not significant, as most markets offer a 5¢ or 10¢ refund for people bringing their own bags. I generally keep a few triple-bagged plastic/paper combination bags under the car's trunk mat for times I forget my purpose-made reusable bags.

Regulation of Formula Restaurants

Formula Business Restrictions, Institute for Local Self-Reliance

Analysis of Cities with Formula Business Ordinances, Malibu (.pdf)

Includes a partial list (25 locales) of municipal ordinances regulating formula businesses.

Industry "Push-back"

The infamous "Feed the trashcans" ad - Early 1970's McDonald's television advertisement aimed at training children to bus disposables (somewhat creepy but it was effective).

First posted 4-Feb-12. Last revised 21-Feb-12.

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