Seriously, no April fooling- in the spirit of Earth Month, BriarPatch launched a reusable cutlery pilot program starting on April 1st. In doing so, the Co-op is reducing single use and elevating the dining experience.
Shoppers receive stainless steel forks, knives, and spoons for both dining in and take-out options. They’re welcome to take the metal utensils to-go and return on their next visit to BriarPatch to be washed and made ready for the next use.
Every year, the Co-op’s two stores distribute hundreds of thousands of disposable single-use forks, knives, and spoons. Although the disposable cutlery is labeled as “compostable,” it is important to note that neither Grass Valley nor Auburn have the necessary infrastructure to properly process materials like PLA (bioplastic). As a result, this cutlery ends up in landfills, incinerators, or littered.
“We appreciate everyone’s support as we work towards a culture of reuse. The cutlery pilot is just a step in our journey to reduce single-use items at BriarPatch, and its success will set the course for expanding reusables at the Co-op in the future.”
Lauren Scott, BriarPatch’s Sustainability Coordinator
There is no deposit or cost to shoppers, and the Co-op understands that not everyone will bring back utensils. Even if 50% are returned, the co-op will save thousands of dollars on utensils each year. The utensils that don’t return are out in the world as ambassadors for the reuse culture!
BriarPatch draws inspiration for this effort from collaboration with other co-ops. Weaver Street Market offers reusable cutlery in four stores in North Carolina, and shared resources for launching a successful program.