ReThink Disposable in California

ReThink Disposable, a program of Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund, prevents trash before it starts by working with local governments, businesses and institutions, and consumers to minimize single use disposable packaging in food service to conserve resources, prevent waste and ocean litter pollution.

 

ReThink Disposable business partner poses with new reusable dishware in front of display case of Chinese pastry

Join the ReThink Disposable Movement in California!

ReThink Disposable helps food service providers from restaurants to cafeterias to soup kitchens and music venues shift away from single-use foodware to resuable sustainable alternatives. Save money and save the planet - contact us to learn more!
California Program Update July 2023 - ReThink Disposable

ReThink Disposable | California Program Update, July 2023

Welcome to Clean Water Action California’s July program update! Read all about how we’re working towards California’s environmental health and safety. Thank you for your support of this work and for being part of the solution!

Related Case Studies

Socorro Martinez, Co-Owner La Torta Loca

La Torta Loca

Located on International Boulevard,you will find La Torta Loca a quaint, mainly take-out restaurant that serves delicious tortas, sopas, and standard Fruitvale fare of burritos and tacos. Since their business is 75% to-go, we only converted 25% of their disposables to reusable, and yet La Torta Loca shows that even small reuse changes can add up and save restaurant owners money.
Jake Lee, Chef and Owner Emil's Burger & Breakfast

Emil’s Burger & Breakfast

Located in Fruitvale Village, Emil’s Burger & Breakfast prides itself on the freshest ingredients, hand-selected by the owner daily and cooked fresh to order. They had been serving their customers on disposable paper and plastics. Now, people are noshing on their delicious burgers with reusable foodware and enjoying an elevated dining experience.
BUSD students enjoying lunch on stainless steel plates

Berkeley Unified School District: Phase One

By transitioning from single-use disposable food packaging to less-toxic durable alternatives at just 3 out of 16 schools, BUSD expects to eliminate 46,000 single-use utensils and 73,000 single-use trays in a given school year.

Blog Posts

Publications

San Francisco Music Venues Raise the Bar for Sustainability: Case study on a reusable cup pilot at three San Francisco venues

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.

Plastic Free July Forum: ReThink Disposable! | Video

Join the ReThink Disposable team and special guests for a discussion on reducing plastic pollution by switching businesses, institutions, and organizations to reusable foodware!

Through the Eyes of the Food Service Operator: A survey of Alameda County food businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic

Clean Water Fund surveyed Alameda County, CA restaurants that had previously adopted reusable options through the ReThink Disposable source reduction process. Core values around sustainability remain strong, however there is a clear need to educate both food operators and the public that reusables are just as safe as disposables .
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