FRUSTRATION FRIDAY
Every Friday I will have special posts that point out products or situations that frustrate me in my quest to go plastic-free. Many of these posts will be about products that use greenwashing–trying to look like sustainable, plastic-saving products but actually still using plastic, or trying to frame their plastic use in a misleading way.
Summer is the perfect time to head out to an outdoor bar, beer garden or music venue to relax, have a beer and unwind. The need for outdoor restaurants and bars during the pandemic has provided more places than ever to enjoy a casual beer with friends while enjoying a summer evening. This is my favorite summer activity!
Except….for the plastic cups.
Many outdoor venues serve everything in plastic cups. Sure, the plastic won’t break, and it reduces the need for waitstaff to collect the glassware. But so much plastic waste!
Ballparks are a great example. So many beverages in plastic cups. Even beer that comes in glass or aluminum bottles gets poured into plastic cups. Ugh!
What can we do?
Choose Drinks in Glass or Aluminum
On a recent visit to Cisco Brewers in New Bedford, MA, to enjoy their waterside beer garden, I ordered a beer that came in a plastic cup. I later realized that they did have beer and cider options available in cans. I should have paid more attention before ordering. Sometimes I may not get to choose my favorite brand or type if they only serve it in plastic. Many ballparks have a couple of brands that they sell in aluminum cans. But you might have to ask them to NOT pour it into a plastic cup.
About a month ago I wrote a review of these aluminum cups made by Ball Corp. Start requesting aluminum cups to replace plastic cups at your favorite outdoor watering holes.
Go Places that Serve in Glasses
The great news is that there are more outdoor bars than ever. If you have a choice, go to the place that serves in glasses. Reusable glassware is better than any type of single-use package (even packages made of glass or aluminum, which are recyclable). My favorite spot might be the taco bar that serves in plastic, but I will choose the restaurant down the street because they serve my beer in a glass. As long as I am outside, enjoying my beer as the sun goes down, I will make the plastic-free choice.
How about you? Leave a comment below if you have found a great way to get more bars to ditch plastic cups!
