Good News for Sustainability in the City of Savannah! Help is on the Way.
Being earth-conscious and sustainably responsible can feel overwhelming at times.
If you’re reading this - you know exactly how this feels. You reduce waste, recycle, and shop secondhand. And still, these issues of our planet are much bigger and it often feels like our impact is not enough.
Ready for some good news? Some organizations are on your side and want to see change right here in our community of Savannah.
The LiteFoot Foundation is excited to partner with Perpetual Use to help Savannah take action toward implementing a reuse program.
What is Perpetual Use?
Perpetual Use focuses on bringing together governments, businesses, experts, and citizens to implement reuse programs in cities across the nation.
Their goal is to create open-loop reusable foodware systems. Perpetual Use has the data to show that reusable foodware programs can save cities money and keep the streets cleaner.
Savannah has been chosen as one of the pilot locations for their program. Take their survey to learn more about how the program will work in our community.
How does it work?
Perpetual Use has a six-step process to implement reuse programs.
Step 1: Mapping and Engagement - The first step is research within the community. Perpetual is in the early stages of working with Chatham County and the city to determine the best ways to implement reusable cups and take-out containers. Perpetual is researching and networking within Savannah to learn as much as they can about our city. They are collecting data from businesses and individuals alike. You can take the survey now.
Step 2: Design - what works in one city may not work in another! Perpetual is working with local nonprofits, the city, and local businesses to test interest. They also are researching the flow of tourism, environmental factors, and how food circulates in our community. Reusable foodware programs are not copy and paste. After diligently researching, Perpetual Use will design a plan specific to Savannah.
Step 3: System Setup - Once the data is compiled, a plan can be created. This is the step where we start putting the wheels in motion. During system setup, cleaning equipment will be purchased, and spaces and permits will be secured for foodware return and drop off. In this step, local businesses are engaged and are ready to get started.
Step 4: Pre-Launch - Get ready! In pre-launch, we are testing the equipment and educating the community to ensure a successful launch. It will be trial and error at first, as all experiments are. But for the program to work, it must be easy, attractive, convenient, and worthwhile. In other words, we can’t just say “This is good for the planet, do it” (even though that’s what we want to shout from the rooftops sometimes) We have to encourage and incentivize individuals and businesses to participate.
Step 5: Launch - When the reusable foodware program finally launches, it will be all hands on deck. We will need lots of community support to ignite excitement and participation.
Step 6: System improvements - All good things take time. Once the reuse program launches, Perpetual Use will collect data and feedback to smooth out the kinks and ensure the program operates smoothly.
What Does This Mean for You?
So what does this mean for you? Nothing but good news, I assure you. We can have a huge impact if we are all willing to adapt our lifestyles. The amount of eco-anxiety and guilt we carry for the plastic crisis will significantly decrease.
We will see changes to our favorite restaurants and bars. We will see less plastic waste littering our streets and being taken to landfills.
This program is all about creating a more united and thoughtful community. To learn more about Perpetual Use’s approach you can visit their website.
Ultimately - Savannah has the opportunity to be a part of something big! A foodware reuse program in the United States that could set an example for other cities and be the beginning of pivotal sustainable change!
Want More Exciting News For Our Planet and Community? Yes, Please.
Lite Foot Foundation is now fundraising!
The Lite Foot Environmental Foundation is now officially certified as a nonprofit and can actively start fundraising. With your donation, LiteFoot can educate and be a catalyst for change in our community. Make a donation today.
Earth Day Savannah - April 19th, 4:00 -7:30 PM in Daffin Park
Join us on April 19th in Daffin Park for vegan food, sustainable workshops, and vendors from the community who are taking strides to make Savannah a more eco-friendly place to live. The theme for this year's Earth Day Savannah, "Healthy Planet, Healthy People," resonates deeply with our commitment to fostering lasting change within the Savannah community. We are currently looking for volunteers, vendors, and sponsors. Sign up now!
