Plastic-Free Greater Sudbury (PFGS), in partnership with reThink Green, received a $75,000 Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) Seed Grant to continue working with local businesses in the food and dining sector to reduce single-use plastics in Greater Sudbury.
A campaign that first started as a university practicum, Michaela Penwarden-Watson and Liz Anawati have since recruited 19 local businesses to 'Take the Pledge' to reduce or eliminate single-use plastics at their establishments.
"We wanted businesses and Sudburians to feel like small changes were positive ones and that added up they make a difference," PFGS program manager Penwarden-Watson said. "With this funding we are able to continue working with these businesses and we will be able to show how much plastic businesses in Sudbury are reducing by taking the pledge."
Local MPPs congratulated the group for its commitment at the funding announcement, which took place at Salute Coffee in the city's south end on Feb. 4.
"Every step is a good step in the right direction," Sudbury MPP Jamie West said. "It goes beyond restaurants and cafes. In our office we were talking about how we can reduce the amount of plastics that we have."
"I see this as such positive news for our community and for Sudbury and Nickel Belt," Nickel Belt France Gélinas said. "New businesses are taking a risk and will be an inspiration to many other restaurants to join this movement."
Salute Coffee was the first business to take the pledge back in June 2018. Owner Tania Renelli said being environmentally conscientious is important to her business.
"We now offer bamboo cutlery instead of plastic," Renelli said. "We encourage customers to bring their own cup by giving a discount to those who do."
"It's about changing habits. We all need to take some responsibility for the health of our planet and there is always more we can do."
Other local businesses that have taken the pledge include:
- P&M's Kouzzina
- Tony V's Pizza & Restaurant
- Refinded Consignment Boutique
- City of Greater Sudbury- Environmental Services Division
- Old Soul Soap Company
- Hiawatha's Catering
- KGHM Sudbury - Victoria Mine Office (Lorne Street)
- Junction Creek Stewardship Committee (JCSC)
- Rainbow Routes Workplace
- Science North
- Dynamic Earth
- Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School
- École Secondaire Hanmer
- Central Manitoulin Public School - Rainbow District
- R.L. Beattie Public School - Rainbow District
- Chelmsford Public School
- Walden Public School
- Myoga
- The Cedar Nest Decor Cafe Inc.
- La Fromagerie
- Kuppajo Espresso Bar
- Gloria's Restaurant
- ReThink Green
- Frubar Juicery
- Rock Garden Cafe at Health Sciences North
- Guilty Pleasures Bakeshop + Bar
- Tucos Tacos Lounge
- Salute Coffee Company
- Old Rock Coffee
For more information on Plastic-Free Greater Sudbury visit their website here.
