Single-use packaging (like food take-out containers) are wasteful products that are used once, for a very short period of time, before being discarded in a landfill where they may take hundreds of years to “break down.” The environmental, social, and financial impacts of these wasteful single use products add up to make a big impact on our planet, communities, and local businesses. Luckily, “low-waste living” and the “Bring Your Own” movement has inspired many people to make a difference by choosing to reuse when dining or shopping on-the-go.

Join the UCRRA Recycling Outreach Team and our Project Partners for an engaging presentation and discussion about the benefits of reuse as a way to prevent pollution. At this special event, participants will learn about the waste-climate connection and the lifecycle of some common single use take-out containers. Come learn why choosing to reuse is not only better for our planet but may also be better for our health!

As a participant, you will receive a FREE Tiffin (stainless steel, reusable food containers)! Join us and together, let’s unlock the full power and potential of reuse! Registration for this event is required. Class size may be limited. Please reserve your seat by completing the sign-up form and survey questions linked below.

Accessibility: Coming soon!

Special thanks to the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute!

Funding is provided by the Environmental Protection Fund as administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Any opinions, findings, and/or interpretations of data contained herein are the responsibility of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the opinions, interpretations or policy of Rochester Institute of Technology and its NYS Pollution Prevention Institute or the State.

Special thanks to our Project Partner: Saugerties Library! 

Mission: to serve as a multi-cultural, inclusive institution dedicated to enhancing the life of every member of the Saugerties Community. It provides free access to a balanced collection of educational, cultural, informational and recreational materials and experiences in a welcoming, safe and comfortable environment. “This [Ulster County Tiffin project] enables us to further achieve our mission by informing the public about pollution prevention.” – Jennifer Russel, Library Director

Special thanks to our Project Partner: Citizens Concerned About Plastic Pollution!

  Mission: Citizens Concerned About Plastic Pollution (CCAPP), is an affiliate of Beyond Plastics, and whose mission is to encourage action to reduce use and limit production of single-use plastic. “This [Ulster County Tiffin project] enables us to further achieve our mission by conducting a reusable takeout container project on a much larger scale.” – Marie Miller, CCAPP Member

Special thanks to our Project Partner: Climate Smart Saugerties!

Mission: to assist the Town [of Saugerties] with reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by implementing climate smart actions.  “This [Ulster County Tiffin project] will have a positive impact on the environment by providing an alternative to plastic containers and the project aligns with PE 5 Action  of Climate Smart Communities, to reduce waste.” – Mary Odonnel, Task Force Coordinator

We’re Celebrating Plastic Free July!

About Plastic Free July:  Plastic Free July® is a key initiative of the Plastic Free Foundation that allows communities everywhere to work towards a vision of seeing a world free of plastic waste. Plastic Free July is a month-long challenge to challenge yourself to not use any single use plastic. Millions of people across the globe take part every year, with many committing to reducing plastic pollution far beyond the month of July.