To reduce plastic waste, use reusable plates, cups, and utensils whenever possible. Durable materials include stainless steel, ceramic, glass, wood, bamboo, and hard plastic. These items can be used over and over again for years, saving money in the long run!
If reusable items are not practical, please choose your disposable items wisely. For plates, cups, and bowls, paper is typically the best and least expensive alternative. Food ware made of bamboo, wood, and sugarcane are also available. If choosing plastic, please read the labels and pick recyclable plastics (marked #1, #2, or #5) and make sure to dispose of them in a blue recycle bin. Plastic straws are never recyclable -- choose paper or reusable, or just skip the straw!
Also, there is no more need for Styrofoam coolers now that fully biodegradable coolers are available!
Please be aware that many plastic and foam products advertised as “compostable” or “plant based” can only be composted at industrial composting facilities (which do not exist in Palm Beach County). If littered in the environment, these items cause just as much pollution as other plastics.
Many alternative food ware products are available at local retailers (Publix, Target, Walmart, Restaurant Depot, BJ's, CVS, etc.) at prices that are competitive with polystyrene foam.