Sustainability: Take a stand with us!
Part four of four:
Disposable single use paper and plastic products seem to be an inseparable part of operating and supporting coffee shops and restaurants of any size. As a result, 16 billion disposable coffee cups are used each year, and takeout orders account for around 269,000 tons of plastic waste that has already entered the oceans (earthday.org). Contrary to conventional thought, these coffee cups and to-go containers are not actually recyclable or compostable as they are typically lined with some form of plastic that prevents them from being easily broken down. Because of the immense impact of single-use product pollution on our environment, Le Petit Bistro is thrilled to partner with Marion County Environmental Health in implementing a reusable container deposit system for our to-go orders! In an attempt to minimize the waste created by the bistro as much as possible, we will offer customers a chance to participate in our reusable to-go container rewards program for soup, sandwich, salad and drink orders. With the help of our community, we estimate that Le Petit Bistro will be able to prevent approximately 55,000 to-go cups and containers from ending up in the oceans or landfills every year. And the more people who decide to join us in this effort, the more single-use products we will be able to save! We cannot wait to see the meaningful impact that this community can make when we take a stand to fight for our one communal home.
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When a community comes together to implement local change at the grassroots level there is very little that can stand in its way. The communities within the beautiful Willamette Valley are no exception. And so, let’s ponder again, what exactly are we trying to sustain? Let’s sustain tight-knit communities. Let’s sustain livelihoods. Let’s sustain our plant and animal friends who sustain us. And above all, let’s sustain a way of mutually beneficial environmental conduct that will allow future generations to enjoy the fruits of the abundant lands around us just as the customers of Le Petit Bistro are able to, today. It is our sincerest wish that you will stand up and walk with us as we embark on this journey— hopefully while grabbing a cup of freshly brewed coffee along the way.
Thank you for taking the time to read this series and I cannot wait to see all of you!
Cheers!