Clark County, WA Partners with Department of Ecology to Encourage Residents to Embrace Reusable Beverage Containers

SEATTLE (Waste Advantage): Clark County is partnering with Washington State Department of Ecology on a campaign that aims to make the use of reusable beverage containers a cultural norm. The Bring Your Own Cup campaign launched statewide on May 5 and runs through May 31. The campaign encourages residents to reduce waste from single-use cups by instead opting for reusable beverage containers. Americans use nearly one trillion disposable food service items each year, according to the Department of Ecology. Reusable cups, over the course of their lifecycle, have lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to disposable alternatives.

As part of the campaign, residents are encouraged to “take the pledge” and choose reusable cups. Residents can visit www.BringYourCupWA.org to submit their online pledge and find coffee shops that allow customers to use personal cups. The Department of Ecology will hold gift card raffles weekly throughout the campaign for pledge participants.

Communities experience many benefits by embracing reusable beverage containers:

•          Cost savings: Reusable beverage containers have a positive economic benefit for both businesses and customers. Some businesses may offer customers a discount on the cost of the beverage when a reusable container is used.
•          Environmental sustainability: Residents can contribute to a greener future by refusing to use disposables that end up in the landfill.
•          Protection of habitat lands and waterways: Utilizing reusable beverage containers helps prevent litter from ending up on the streets, in storm drains, and in rivers and lakes.

In Clark County, disposable hot or cold beverage cups, lids and straws cannot be recycled in the curbside recycle cart. These items should be put in the trash.

Courtesy: www.wasteadvantagemag.com