What are PFAs? What You Should Know About Forever Chemicals

Bans on the use of styrofoam containers, plastic bags, and plastic straws in foodservice are becoming more common in states across the country. Restaurants rely heavily on disposable takeout supplies for carryout and delivery services, so it's important to learn about the current and impending bans that may affect your business. Keep reading to find out if your state has plastic and styrofoam bans in place, and check out our recommendations for environmentally friendly packaging alternatives. This page has been updated as of January 1, 2023, but it may not constitute the most up-to-date legal information. Because these laws change regularly, readers of this site should be familiar with applicable state laws and restrictions. Shop All Eco-Friendly Disposables Click below to learn more about plastic and styrofoam bans: Plastic Bag Bans Plastic Bag Alternatives Styrofoam Bans Styrofoam Alternatives Plastic Straw Bans Plastic Straw Alternatives Plastic Bag Bans There are different types of legislation that have been passed at the state, city, and county levels regarding the distribution of single-use plastic bags. Some restrictions ban the use of all plastic bags completely, some simply place a tax on plastic bags, and some ban plastic bags based on their thickness in millimeters. Contact your local government for the most up-to-date information on plastic bag bans in your area. What States Have Banned Plastic Bags? If you live in one of the following states, be aware that your business is affected by state-wide legislation regarding plastic bags: California Colorado (effective January 2024) Connecticut Delaware Hawaii (all local jurisdictions ban plastic bags) Maine New Jersey New York Oregon (affects retail and foodservice only) Rhode Island (effective January 2024) Vermont Virginia (affects state agencies, colleges, and universities only) Washington If you don't see your state on this list, you should still check the plastic bag ordinance in your area. Many states, like Alaska and New Mexico, have passed legislation in at least one city or county. Plastic Bag Alternatives If you're looking for an alternative to single-use plastic bags, there are many options available. Paper Bags - Stock paper bags instead of plastic bags for packaging takeout orders, retail purchases, and groceries. Reusable Bags - Reusable bags are considered the most environmentally friendly method of packaging goods. Food Boxes - Try skipping the bag altogether and using large takeout boxes with handles to package smaller items. Styrofoam Bans If your business offers takeout and delivery, you’re probably familiar with Styrofoam. This widely used material is lightweight and disposable, making it a staple among food trucks, delivery chains, and restaurants. Recent bans on Styrofoam, or expanded polystyrene, prohibit restaurants from serving food or drinks in Styrofoam containers. Read on to find out if your city is affected by recent bans. Styrofoam vs Polystyrene Styrofoam is a trademarked name by the Dow Chemical Company to describe their closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam. It is often used interchangeably with the term expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam. Styrofoam and EPS foam are typically used in takeout containers, disposable utensils, and coffee cups. Is Styrofoam Recyclable? Yes, Styrofoam is recyclable at designated recycling centers. The problem is that there are few recycling centers across the country that accept and recycle Styrofoam. If you aren't sure if the product is made from Styrofoam, look for a recyclable symbol with the number "6." Recycling centers that accept #6 plastic typically require the product to be clean and dry when it's dropped off at the facility. Unfortunately, the majority of America’s Styrofoam products are placed in landfills, where polystyrene does not break down. What States Have Banned Styrofoam Containers? The following states have passed state-wide legislation regarding expanded polystyrene products: Colorado (effective January 2024) Maine Maryland New Jersey New York Vermont Virginia (effective July 2023 for large businesses and July 2025 for small businesses) Washington (ban on packing peanuts effective June 2023; coolers and foodservice products ban effective June 2024) Washington, D.C. If you don't see your state on this list, you should still check the polystyrene ordinance in your area. Some states, like California and Hawaii, have passed legislation in at least one city or county. Styrofoam Alternatives If you live in an area currently affected by a Styrofoam ban, there are plenty of alternatives available to keep your takeout service running smoothly. Learn about environmentally friendly alternatives below or start shopping for eco-friendly takeout container options. PET Plastic - Containers made from PET plastic (polyethylene terephthalate) are flexible, lightweight, and recyclable. Many beverage bottles are made from PET because it is clear and resistant to cracking. You can also find PET deli containers that are ideal for packaging takeout items like soups, salads, and sides. PLA Plastic - The unique thing about PLA plastic (polylactic acid) is that it's made from renewable resources like sugar cane, corn starch, or sugar beets. Try using PLA plastic cups in place of styrofoam to-go cups. Paper/Double Poly-Coated Paper - Double poly-coated products combine eco-friendly paper construction with a moisture-resistant coating. Some coated products do contain forever chemicals called PFAS, so look for the "No PFAS Added" label when shopping. Plant Fiber - Plant fiber disposable products are lightweight and commercially compostable at proper processing facilities. Use liquid-resistant and microwave-safe plant fiber disposables to package deliveries and takeout orders. Post-Consumer Paperboard - Have you ever wondered where the paper in your recycling bin ends up? The material used to create post-consumer paperboard products comes from recycled paper fibers. Reusable Polypropylene Containers - Takeout containers made from recyclable polypropylene feature a durable, synthetic resin construction perfect for multiple-use applications. Plastic Straw Bans Plastic straw bans began popping up in Massachusetts in 2015 but didn't hit mainstream news until Seattle became the largest US city to enact a straw ban in 2018. Supporters of plastic straw bans argue that single-use straws have a negative environmental impact, but those opposed to a ban on plastic straws argue that more expensive alternatives will hurt their business’s bottom line. What States Have Banned Plastic Straws? These states have passed state-wide legislation regarding the distribution of single-use straws: California New Jersey Oregon Vermont Virginia (affects state agencies, colleges, and universities only) Washington (single-use straws only available by request) Washington D.C. If you don't see your state on this list, you should still check the plastic straw ordinance in your area. Some states, like Florida and Georgia, have passed legislation in at least one city or county. Plastic Straw Alternatives If your business currently operates in the affected states above, it may be time to ditch the plastic straws. Thankfully there are many eco-friendly straw alternatives you can use instead of plastic. PLA Plastic Straws - Recyclable straws made from PLA look like plastic, but they're compostable at the appropriate facilities and under the right conditions. PHA Straws - PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate) is a bio-based material that can be composted at home, which sets it apart from other compostable materials. Straws made from PHA look and feel like plastic but are more sustainable. Paper Straws - Festive paper straws are a colorful option for catered events or special occasions, and they break down easily after use. Reusable Straws - Not only can these straws be washed and reused, but they also provide an upselling opportunity. Try offering eco-friendly reusable straws as an add-on item to your beverage menu. Edible Straws - Edible straws are a fun option for cold beverage like smoothies, milkshakes, and cocktails. They're made from edible materials that break down easily which makes them a great alternative to plastic straws. When it comes to operating your foodservice business, it’s important to stay on top of possible legislative action that may affect your operational costs. Styrofoam and plastic are both big parts of takeout and delivery services, so finding an environmentally friendly option that complies with regulations without compromising your bottom line is imperative. <aside class="pquote"> <blockquote> The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Please refer to our Content Policy for more details. </blockquote> </aside>

Reducing your restaurant's overall energy consumption not only lowers your utility costs, it's also better for the environment. Many food service professionals have been adopting energy conservation methods for the past decade and have drastically cut their energy use and expenses. Here, we've outlined energy conservation tips that will reduce your water and electricity use. 10 Energy Conservation Methods It can be easier than you think to reduce energy consumption in your kitchen with our energy-saving methods! Here are our top 10 tips for conserving energy in your business. Click any of the links below to read more about our energy-conservation tips: Energy Efficient Equipment Equipment Maintenance Reduce Water Consumption Efficient Lighting Decrease Heat Usage Reduce Ambient Temperature Shut Down Idle Equipment Efficient Kitchen Layout Train Your Staff Contact Your Utility Company 1. Use Energy Efficient Equipment Commercial equipment contributes a great deal to your restaurant's energy consumption, but your restaurant equipment doesn't have to guzzle resources. Many manufacturers offer equipment that uses a fraction of the energy of their other models, and switching to those designs could save your business thousands of dollars per year. High-Efficiency Fryers - Upgrading your deep fryer to an energy-efficient model will not only save you money on utilities, but it will save you money on fryer oil as well. New high-efficiency fryer models experience less scorching which extends the life of your oil. High-Efficiency Dish Machines - Using an Energy Star certified dish machine can save an average of $1,500 annually when compared to a standard model. Energy Star Rebates - Not only does Energy Star certified equipment use much less energy than standard equipment, but it might also qualify you for a rebate. Incentives and rebates vary depending on your location, so make sure to check the Energy Star website. 2. Perform Equipment Maintenance If you don't keep your equipment clean or service it regularly, it's probably working harder than it needs to be. There are a few simple preventative tasks you can perform on your own to increase your energy savings and extend the life of your equipment. Refrigerator Condenser Coils - The condenser coils on your refrigeration units become clogged with dust over time, which insulates the coils and prevents them from expelling heat. The result is that your unit has to work much harder to reach food-safe temperatures. Keeping your coils clean provides a major boost to the efficiency of your unit. Water Filters - Water filtration systems prevent calcification and mineral deposits in any equipment that connects to a water line. By replacing your water filters at the appropriate time, you ensure that scale buildup doesn't clog the internal components of your equipment and affect the efficiency of the unit. 3. Reduce Water Consumption Restaurants require large amounts of water to sustain operations. Thankfully, there are some simple ways to reduce water consumption in your restaurant and lower your water bill. Use Low-Flow Spray Valves - Replace your pre-rinse spray valves with newer models that have lower GPM (gallons per minute) ratings. These low-flow spray valves are easy to replace and use much less water than older spray valves. Install Low-Flow Aerators - Your hand-washing sinks don't need to have a high GPM flow rating. Consider using low-flow aerators or flow regulators that limit the amount of water flowing out of the faucet and lower the GPM to save you money. Repair Leaky Faucets - Over time, the drips from a single leaky faucet add up. Instead of wasting water and money, repair your faucets with new components. Many new faucet parts feature a cartridge design so you can swap them out quickly without calling a plumber. 4. Use Energy-Efficient Lighting By switching out incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient lighting, you can drastically lower your lighting electricity costs. Not only will you save on your utility costs, but you'll also help the environment by conserving energy and lowering greenhouse emissions. LED Bulbs - LED bulbs use less electricity and last up to 10 times longer than a standard incandescent bulb. CFL Bulbs - Not quite as energy efficient as LEDs, CFL bulbs are still 4 times more efficient than standard incandescent bulbs. They produce more light than LEDs so they work well to light up large areas in your restaurant. 5. Decrease Heat Usage Look for little ways to decrease the heat usage in your restaurant like using less hot water or preventing your employees from making changes to the temperature settings on your thermostat. Invest in a Smart Thermostat - Smart thermostats can be programmed remotely to optimize energy use. Many are also tamper-resistant to prevent unauthorized adjustments. Lower Water Temps on Your Dish Machine - Mandatory dishwashing temperatures in the food service industry are around 140 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the NRA. Double-check the requirements for your area, then optimize your water temperature so you don't use water that's hotter than it needs to be. Unheated Hand Dryers - Energy-efficient hand dryers that rely on forced air instead of heated air can use up to 80% less energy than a standard hand dryer. Back to Top 6. Reduce Ambient Temperatures in Your Kitchen When the ambient temperatures in your kitchen are too high, your refrigeration equipment works extra hard to keep foods chilled. By keeping ambient heat to a minimum, you can ensure the most efficient operation of your reach-ins and coolers. Use Induction Equipment - Induction cooking equipment works without the use of a flame or burner. They transfer heat directly to your cookware while the surrounding air stays cool. Kitchen Exhaust Hoods - Use condensate hoods above your dish machines and steam equipment to help remove hot air from your kitchen. Use LEDs - Make sure to use LED lightbulbs in your kitchen and prep areas because they don't emit as much heat as incandescent bulbs. 7. Shut Down Idle Equipment Conserving energy can be as easy as turning off a light switch. This may sound simple, but countless restaurants waste hundreds of dollars a month because they leave idle equipment running. Use a Startup/Shutdown Schedule - Take the time to observe when your equipment units are being used the most and create a schedule for starting up and shutting down. During downtime, turn off the range or the fryer and begin preheating again when business picks up. Lighting Timers - Use timers for your outdoor lighting, or even try solar-powered outdoor lights that can charge themselves. Smart Controls - Investing in equipment with smart control technology allows you to start up your appliances remotely. 8. Make Your Kitchen Layout More Efficient The layout of your kitchen can directly affect the efficiency of your equipment. There are a couple of basic rules to keep in mind that will ensure your appliances are operating at peak performance. Breathing Space - Your refrigeration equipment needs room to breathe and expel hot air as part of the cooling process. Without proper ventilation space around the unit, it uses more energy to stay cool. Separate Heating and Cooling Equipment - If you place your oven next to your ice machine, the ambient air will be hotter and the ice machine won't operate efficiently. 9. Train Staff to Follow Energy-Efficient Protocols Besides buying energy-efficient equipment, cutting your costs rests on your shoulders and those of your staff members. To be successful with your new plan, your team must understand your guidelines. Outline Your Protocol - Make sure to highlight your energy-saving protocols in your employee handbook and all training sessions with new employees to get them started on the right foot. Post Reminders - Without a visual queue, it can be hard to remember every guideline. Post reminders above your sink, next to your light switches, and anywhere else in your kitchen that will help your employees follow your protocols. 10. Contact Your Utility Company If you've followed all of the previous steps and you're still not seeing any effect on your utility bills, try contacting your utility company directly. They can provide you with an assessment of how much energy you use, as well as how much it's costing you. Once you have that information, you can set realistic goals for your business and begin implementing a serious energy conservation plan. Back to Top While some restaurant owners may see energy conservation as an obstacle or a nuisance, the benefits of going green include lower expenses, a market for earth-loving customers, and a positive feeling about giving back to the environment. There are many things about owning a business that you probably can't control, like the cost of your location, your water and electricity provider, or your utility expenses. Nevertheless, you can control your usage of heat, lighting, and water to an extent. By using these tips, you'll start to see measurable benefits that will help your restaurant reduce waste and save money. Earth-conscious customers will appreciate your dedication to conserving energy, and the environment will, too!

PFAS and Foodservice Packaging

What Are PFAS?

What Are Forever Chemicals?

How Is Foodservice Affected by PFAS?

PFAS Bans

What Types of Products Contain PFAS?

How To Avoid PFAS

Learn More About PFAS

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