Reuse, Reuse, Reuse & Reuse
Plastic Three Gallons for Ice Cream
We started using plastic three gallons and lids for our ice cream about 15 years ago. Before that time, we used disposable cardboard containers with metal rims (the old timers around here remember these - the metal rims sometimes were very sharp). These cardboard containers were one time use only, then we threw them out.
By reusing the plastic containers, we get about 10 or so uses for each container before it develops a crack or breaks. I estimate over the past 15 years we have used 200,000 less three gallon ice cream containers. That's 200,000 less in the landfill, fewer trees used, and less overall energy used.
Use of Plates & Metal Tableware at The Dairy Store
At the beginning of our foodservice at the Dairy Store, we used pretty much all disposable plates and plastic tableware. While we still use quite a bit of disposable items at The Dairy Store, we have reduced our waste stream significantly over the years by investing in reusable plates, bowls, knives, forks and spoons.