In an eco-friendly twist to dining out, a Massachusetts initiative is offering customers the chance to borrow takeout containers. Named 'Recirclable', this program is gaining popularity in a bid to minimize plastic and single-use waste. Arlington's Roasted Granola Cafe is pioneering this effort, pleasing customers by providing an alternative to disposable bags and containers for even the smallest of purchases.
As reported by CBS News, the 'Recirclable' program sprang to life amid the COVID-19 pandemic's heightened waste issue. Recirclable cofounder Ulrike Mueller noted the sharp increase in waste: "I think usually in a normal habit, there is just a little bit of waste which goes out in the waste line but during the pandemic it just piles up."
The shift from recyclable to ReCirclable aligns with a larger movement to reduce waste, as the company narrated on their website. The founders, having experienced reusable programs in Europe, saw the pandemic’s push as a call to action, driving them to create a system that supports local businesses while sidestepping the environmental costs associated with waste.
Back in the restaurants, the system operates smoothly via an app. Mueller explained the simplicity, "I'm borrowing one bowl. That's it. Very simple and then I will get a notification when to return my bowl." The program not only benefits the environment but also seems to draw in customers who support eco-friendly businesses, said cofounder Margie Bell. "For restaurants that make the effort, they definitely gain some customers who are following this idea.", a statement obtained by CBS News.
With the bulk of takeout containers stemming from materials that fail to break down sustainably, 'Recirclable' is looking to redefine the norms of dining-to-go. "These containers that we started with come out of the Netherlands and they are used by programs in Germany and these ones are local and they have been tested to 1,000 uses," Bell told CBS News. As the list of participating establishments grows, so does the nod of approval from environmentally conscious patrons.
