List Provided By: Kay Gates
We’re starting a list, hoping it will help efforts to reduce ubiquitous waste! We say “starting” because we’d like everyone to help us build on this effort, and we want to give credit to establishments that are already making an effort. If you have any restaurants or stores to add to this list, please email Kay Gates or Madelyn Marconi.
Grocery stores that do NOT provide the wasteful plastic bag to store your purchases:
One World Zero Waste - This organization is the best example for reducing waste. There are two in Palm Beach County, one in Tequesta, the other in Delray Beach.
Aldi Grocery Store and Costco - Both stores encourage folks to bring their own shopping bags. They provide used/recycled boxes from their purchases for use. No plastic bags are provided!
Grocery stores that charge if you need a bag from them:
Whole Foods, and, starting in July, Sprouts Farmers Market. Their current efforts are small incentives to bringing your own bags, instead of being charged to use theirs.
Restaurants:
Fortunately, many restaurants have done away with plastic straws, styrofoam, and plastic containers for take-out. This frequently depends on their being in a municipality that has adopted rules requiring them to do so. Look for take-out restaurants that don’t automatically throw plasticware in the bag.
Another Broken Egg Cafe has several locations. Straws are given only when requested and they provide cardboard take-out container, instead of plastic or styrofoam.
Municipalities who have banned polystyrene on City property in Palm Beach County:
This information is provided by Surfrider Foundation Palm Beach County Chapter
April 20, 2021 – Boynton Beach
On April 20th, the Boynton Beach City Commission voted unanimously to pass a polystyrene ordinance prohibiting the use and distribution of polystyrene foam, balloons and confetti, on all city property!
January 14, 2021 – Palm Beach Gardens
On January 14, Palm Beach Gardens passed a resolution prohibiting the use of polystyrene products on public property. It also directs City Administration to negotiate “No Polystyrene” provisions in applicable City contracts, and encourages all residents and retail businesses within the City to reduce or eliminate the use of polystyrene products.
October 6, 2020- Delray Beach
The city of Delray Beach passed 2 polystyrene resolutions. These resolutions encourage local retail stores, restaurants, and all city businesses to reduce the use of polystyrene products and also encourage city staff to negotiate “no polystyrene clauses” into their contracts with vendors.
Here is a link to the listing of other Cities and Counties who have passed ordinances: Plastic Free Florida Sample Legislation
If you are willing to help pass a local ordinance, please reach out to your local Sierra group or to Plastic Free Florida to find out if there are other organizations working on an ordinance. Your children and grandchildren will thank you.
If everyone does their part to reduce their individual usage of single-use plastic and polystyrene, we can make a huge positive impact on the environment, the wildlife, and our planet.