Krista Miller, Zero Waste Humboldt
Now that we are back to social gatherings it’s time to take a look at Zero Waste drinking. No, we are not talking about “getting wasted”! We are talking about drinking responsibly, as in beverage container awareness. Here are a couple super size decisions you can make when you swill.
This symbol does NOT mean the cup can be recycled. For example, the classic red Solo® party cups synonymous with keg ragers are NOT recyclable. The #6 indicates the type of plastic resin PS Polystyrene used to manufacture these cups. This code does not mean the container is made from recycled plastic, nor does it mean the plastic is recyclable. There are many organizations such as ours working to remove the outdated meaning for the symbol in these cases. Unfortunately, the plastics industry would like us to continue purchasing these unfriendlies.
Watch out for green washing! There are alternatives out there that claim to be eco-friendly because you can reuse them/put them in the dishwasher, etc., but beware of just another plastic product. For example, Red Cup Living® makes a cup that looks like the red cups mentioned above. They are claiming these are good for the earth but they are just a thicker ABS plastic.
Bioplastic or what cup manufacturers call “Biodegradable” plastic cups are just made from plastic that breaks down into microplastics (toxic waste) faster than regular plastic. Look for compostable products made from plant based materials specifically made up of organic matter like cornstarch, sugarcane, potato starch, and others that break down in compostable environments only leaving behind beneficial products which improve soil health.
Aluminum is reusable and recyclable. The canning company Ball is now making a classic kegger cup from aluminum.
Glass is reusable and recyclable too but trickier for the less coordinated drinkers.
Consider these drinking container choices as you prepare for your party, celebration, festival, or kegger. And if you are headed out to partake, then Bring your Own. In July 2019, the California Governor signed AB 619 (“Bring Your Own” bill) into statewide law supporting the transition from single-use items to reusables. This law allows temporary food facilities at events to serve customers in reusable containers rather than single-use disposables. It also clarifies existing health code laws to say we can bring reusable containers to restaurants for take-out.
Party this summer drinking whatever refreshing beverage is right for you but make the best container choice for the planet and just say no to plastic in any form. Zero Waste Humboldt is available to train, educate, and advocate for the choices that matter in the consumer waste(d) land. Our next fundraiser is July 7th, 5pm at Phatsy Kline. More info on our facebook page: facebook.com/ZeroWasteHumboldt.