Clean Water Fund

Five local Fruitvale restaurants teamed up to reduce single-use disposable waste by over 187,600 individual pieces and over 3,240 pounds — annually. After an average payback period of 2.74 months, this group of restaurants will collectively be saving over $10,000 every year by purchasing fewer disposables, dramatically reducing plastic pollution in their operations, and providing real-time examples of businesses that are both eco-friendly and economical in the Fruitvale community.

Working with funding from StopWaste and Ocean Foundation and in collaboration with Gurdwara Temple, Julie’s Coffee & Tea, and Freight & Salvage, ReThink Disposable is excited to share this video highlighting the work happening in the Bay Area to reduce plastic waste. Each of these businesses are realizing significant reduction in single use disposable foodware and a savings to their bottom line!

This guide provides examples of reusable foodware substitutes for disposable products that contribute to the waste generated by a typical food service business.

In a groundbreaking initiative to combat single-use plastic pollution, several iconic San Francisco music venues took the leap towards sustainability by switching to reusable cups. Supported by San Francisco Environment Department and Clean Water Fund’s ReThink Disposable program, these venues teamed up with reusable cup providers r.World and TURN, leading the way in the entertainment industry.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has created an opportunity to strengthen State Revolving Fund programs for the long term. Increased funding and technical assistance, along with requirements for funding projects in disadvantaged communities, should lead to a more equitable allotment of funding and to significant improvement of water infrastructure nationwide. Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund examined information provided by the 50 States’ SRF programs to develop a snapshot of accessibility and transparency and to identify areas of potential procedural improvement to dramatically broaden and diversify the number of communities and projects applying for funding.