In recent years, the issue of plastic waste has become increasingly pressing, particularly at large venues and events. Concerts, university campus gatherings, sports events, and festivals attract hundreds––sometimes thousands––of attendees. While these events offer a space for communities to come together and celebrate, they also typically generate enormous amounts of waste.
A significant portion of this waste consists of disposable dishware, particularly plastic cups. The detrimental impact of these items on our planet is huge.
The Inconvenient Truth About Single-Use Plastics
One of the most ubiquitous items found at large events is the plastic cup. Estimates suggest that in the U.S., only about 5% of petroleum-based plastic is successfully recycled after use. The remainder ends up in landfills or incinerators, contributing to environmental degradation.
Traditional plastic cups are particularly problematic.
Polystyrene, a commonly used material for plastic party cups, is not only non-recyclable but also toxic, derived from petroleum. When disposed of, these plastics take decades to decompose, leaching harmful chemicals and microplastics into the soil and water, posing risks to our ecosystems and human health.
The Challenge of Waste Management
Managing waste at large events is a herculean task. Despite efforts to encourage recycling, the reality is that disposable dishware contaminated with food and drink often bypasses recycling processes. This contamination complicates sorting and reduces the recyclability of the materials. Consequently, much of this waste is directed to landfills, where it contributes to the growing plastic pollution crisis.
A Glimpse of Hope: Better for All Cups
While the plastic waste problem at large venues and events is daunting, innovative solutions are emerging. One such solution is offered by Better for All, a company focused on creating certified home compostable cups made from PHBH, a type of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) that is certified home compostable. These cups can be composted on-site at zero-waste large capacity venues, small events, and outdoor festivals, or taken home for composting.
Better for All cups are designed to address the issue of disposable dishware not being recycled after use. Unlike petroleum-based plastic cups, these compostable cups are made from 100% biobased material produced through fermentation. They are high-heat tolerant, dishwasher-safe, and free from additives and harmful chemicals. This makes them an ideal choice for venues seeking to reduce their ecological footprint, like Rock The Ocean’s Tortuga Music Festival.
Prioritizing the use of biodegradable materials simplifies waste management for the venue, as the entire contents of the bin can be sent to local composting facilities. If commercial composting facilities are unavailable, PHBH will naturally degrade in landfills.
The problem of plastic waste at large venues and events is significant, but not insurmountable. By adopting innovative solutions like smart compostable cups, venues can take a substantial step towards sustainability without asking people to change their habits. These efforts represent meaningful progress in the fight against plastic pollution, demonstrating that with the right approach, it is possible to enjoy large gatherings and celebrate with loved ones without leaving a trace.
