Launched in January 2019, Beyond Plastics is a nationwide project based �at The Center for the Advancement of Public Action (CAPA) at Bennington College in Bennington, Vermont, that pairs the wisdom and experience of environmental policy experts with the energy and creativity of college students to build a vibrant and effective anti-plastics movement. Our mission is to end �plastic pollution by being a catalyst for change at every level of our society. �We use our deep policy and advocacy expertise to build a well-informed, effective movement seeking to achieve the institutional, economic, and �societal changes needed to save our planet, and ourselves, from the �plastic pollution crisis. Learn more and join us at www.beyondplastics.org

�CAPA is a national leader in preparing undergraduates to become agents �of social change by educating students in public action; being a catalyst, convener, and creative space for social change; and designing solutions �to the urgent social, political, and environmental problems of our time. �Learn more at www.bennington.edu/capa

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Alexis Goldsmith�alexisgoldsmith@bennington.edu�www.BeyondPlastics.org�

Cost Comparison of Initial Investment Reusable v. Disposable Trays for Syracuse MOW

�Plastics Are Made From Chemicals and Fossil Fuels

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This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-SA.

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• U.S. plastics released the equivalent emissions of 116 coal-fired power plants in 2020.

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• 15 million metric tons of plastic enter our oceans each year

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• Plastics contain thousands of added chemicals

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Less than 6% of plastic is effectively recycled. The rest is landfilled, incinerated, or winds up in the environment

According to Meals on Wheels America, in 2018 Meals on Wheels served 2.4 million seniors. At an average of 261 delivery days in a year, at least 646.4 million meals were served in 2018.

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—> 646.4 million meals served in single use plastic trays represents:

• 45.6 million pounds of plastic waste
• 1.1 million cubic yards of landfill space
• 61,50 tons of greenhouse gas emissions
• 129,876 barrels of oil

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PLASTIC PACKAGING CONTAINS TOXIC ADDITIVES

a note on compostables

Composting is easy…. but for soil health it needs to be done right

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a note on compostables

There are no federal requirements for an item to be labelled “compostable”. Many compostable foodware items use per- and polyfluoroalkl substances (PFAS) as a grease and waterproof barrier.

The Good News About Reusable Trays

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Environmental Impacts. While any type of tray has environmental impacts, reusable polypropylene trays are preferable to single-use plastic trays after just 10 uses.

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$$ Savings. Reusables can offer significant cost savings over all types of single-use trays

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Safer Food. Thousands of chemicals are added to plastics to give them desirable characteristics. Reusable containers are more stable and may leach fewer toxic chemicals into food.

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Peace of Mind. Programs that rely on reusable trays report that they feel more gratified knowing that they’ve significantly reduced their plastic waste and impact on our planet.

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Option 1: Purchase and wash your own trays

Option 2: work with a dishwashing service

Proven Methods for Successful Tray Return

• Place a dishwasher safe label on the trays with instructions to return
• Use a checkbox system where the driver has a list of every client on their route and places a check for each tray given and returned
• Send periodic reminders to clients and their families
• If a particular recipient continually does not return the trays, make a note and provide that person with a disposable tray going forward

Proven Methods for Successful Tray Return

Make a plan before you start!

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Consider a pilot project if that is more manageable at first.

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Tray loss is most likely to occur at the start of the reusable program. Make a clear plan for tray return and educate staff, volunteers, and clients before, during, and after switching to reusables. Programs should budget to cover a 20% loss of trays.

• Clients are asked to rinse the trays
• Programs can purchase dishwashing equipment and hire staff
• Commercial dishwashers can be certified to sanitize trays. They must have an outside thermometer to ensure the rinse cycle reaches 180℉ for at least ten seconds.

Dishwashing, sanitation, and health

Dishwashing, sanitation, and health

Sanitation requirements are similar to any restaurant that serves food on reusable dishes.

• Used trays cannot be transported in the same carrier as fresh trays or meals.
• Trays must be air-dried. Dishwashers reach hot enough temperatures that the trays air dry quickly, an essential feature in tight MOW kitchens that need to stack trays for storage.
• A permit is not required

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where to buy trays

How to find dishwashing services

• In New York City…
• Re:dish Redishco.com
• Cup Zero, Long Island City cupzero.com

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• More resources:
• plasticfreerestaurants.org/resources
• https://upstreamsolutions.org/national-reuse-network

where to Get funding

• Plastic Free Restaurants
• plasticfreerestaurants.org/resources

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• State budgets

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• Rotary clubs

Now is the perfect time to talk to state legislators

Cost Comparison of Initial Investment Reusable v. Disposable Trays for Syracuse MOW

Aging & disability resource center, St. Croix Co. Wisconsin

ADRC runs a meal delivery program for seniors using 3-compartment reusable trays from Nutrisystem MOW Store (mowstore.com).

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Reusable program length: 20+ years

No. of meals served per day: 125-150 �Meals served per year: 37,000+

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• Trays are from the Meals on Wheels Store (mowstore.com)
• Thermal bags are from Sterno (sternodelivery.com)
• Staff or volunteers deliver the returnable containers directly to participants
• Participants place used containers in an easily accessible spot
• The staff or volunteers bring the empty containers back in a milk crate, plastic tote, or paper bag

Tray return. The process is explained during the initial sign-up process, also in the Home-Delivered Meal Program Introduction Letter. Reminders are sent out from time to time when inventory is low or containers have not been returned.

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Dishwashing. Staff or volunteers inspect the containers to make sure they have been rinsed and then run them through a commercial dishwasher to be washed and sanitized. The trays are left out to air dry overnight. Clean containers are stored upside down in cupboards or large plastic totes.

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Budget Impact

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A program of comparable size using the most popular single-use plastic trays on the market would spend $11,583 per year on trays.

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Over 7 years, from 2013-2020, St. Croix ADRC spent an average of $1,100 per year on reusable trays.

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The savings per year comes to an average of $10,483.

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“We did not realize how vital these containers were to our program - and our budget! Our Nutrition Program Managers were very happy when we reintroduced them even though it meant more washing on their end. They saw the benefits!!

And so do we.” - Renea Aeschliman, ADRC

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Environmental Impacts

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• Plastic waste diverted: 2,610 lbs. per year
• (over 20 years): 52,205 lbs.
• Landfill space conserved: 64.6 yd³ per year
• (over 20 years): 1,292 yd³
• Emissions reduced: 496 lbs CO2e
• (over 20 years): 70.5 tons CO2e

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Twitter: @plasticsbeyond

Facebook: Beyond Plastics

Instagram: @beyondplasticsbennington

www.BeyondPlastics.org

alexisgoldsmith@bennington.edu

beyondplastics.org/plastic-and-climate