Untested idea: I think (I hope!) most people agree that reducing waste is a good idea in principle, the challenge for all of us is getting them to act. When they see other people acting, they are more likely to follow suit. Also, making something fun is always a good way to encourage participation. Here's my idea: a White Elephant Exchange of serving ware and utensil w/potluck. In addition to an offering for the potluck, everyone in the office brings in a mismatched plate, bowl, glass, coffee mug, fork, knife and spoon from home--plus extras, if they have them. On the day of the exchange, all of the serving-ware goodies are assembled at the beginning of the buffet line. People pick the ones they like best and proceed to fill their plates. At the end, they keep their set and take it back to their desk for use when at the next office potluck. Whatever pieces are left over can be kept in a cupboard for back-up, if guests are in the office next time there's an event. Thenceforth, no paper plates or plastic utensils or cups should be provided.. Almost everyone has mismatched this and that sitting in their cupboards. If not, they can pick them up very cheaply at a garage sale or thriftshop. Maybe there could be acknowledgements (paper "blue ribbons") for the "classiest," "prettiest," "coolest," "most unusual," etc. items that are brought in. If anyone tries this, please let us all know how it works. I don't work in an office any more or I'd try it myself.
**Denise**
Denise-ChristinePost Carbon Eugene
An Outpost of the Post Carbon Institute
www.relocalize.net/group/eugene
(541) 688-1442
Office Waste Reduction
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Ha! I googled myself and found this forgotten posting!
Sharon: how did your experiment go?
Erin: thanks for your feedback.
I'm wondering if this idea has spread a bit. Do either of you know of others who are doing something similar? We have a non-profit, here in town, with a huge inventory of mismatched plates, glasses, cups, utensils and serving dishes that are available, free of charge, for use by local groups. All they have to do is wash them up before returning them.
Denise Christine
Post Carbon Eugene, Neighborhood Action Team
United States
Denise, Thanks for promoting such a sustainable idea. About four years ago, we started with a MUG-A-FRIEND program. Each of our Master Composters donated 1-2 spare coffee mugs for us to use at community meetings instead of disposable cups. When the education program expanded into other areas of interest and became Live Green in Plano, we also expanded our efforts to hold "sustainable" meetings. Through the generosity of our LGIP volunteers, we have reusable plates, cups, flatware, cooking utensils, serving bowls, napkins and dishtowels. Everything is kept in the community kitchen. Volunteers clean the dishes at the end of each gathering. Only the napkins go home for a quick wash. The sustainable kitchen is a great way to demonstrate that reducing waste can be easy and inexpensive with a little planning.
Erin Hoffer
Environmental Education and Community Outreach
United States
April 19, 2009 - Denise, what a FABULOUS idea! I am on a newly formed "Green Committee" at work, and I am going to try this. Not only that....but I am a grad student with an assigment to try a small experiment - and this is it!
I am amazed that no one else has commented on this. In today's economy, this is a perfect alternative to an office needing to buy all new cookware in order to "green" their office.
Thanks for a fabulous, cost effective, green, FUN idea!
Sharon Martel
Portland, Maine, USA
Sharon Martel
Grad Student
Green Mountain College
United States
Denise, I'm not sure whether the idea has spread or not. We promote it at our Live Green in Plano volunteer trainings and at the city's Green Team meetings. It would be nice to know if someone decided to implement it at the office. I like the idea of the non-profit loaning out the partyware to other organizations. What do they pack it in?
Erin Hoffer
Environmental Education and Community Outreach
United States