Why reusables are back (for good).

Reusable cups and food containers are officially “covid-safe” (and cool again) 😎

When the pandemic started a million years ago, coffee shops and restaurants had to stop serving customers in reusable dishware and BYO (bring your own) containers.

Since then, over 100 scientists and health authorities across the globe, like the MAPAQ in Quebec, have agreed on one thing: The virus spreads through the respiratory tract. Surfaces are safe and to this date, there are no cases of infections with an object, including dishware.

Here are 4 reasons why reusable containers are making a comeback in 2022

1. It’s 100% “covid-safe”

2. They create zero waste and save CO2 (compostable is the worst option: it’s impossible to compost in cities like Montreal, create 7x more CO2 than reusables* and cost a fortune $$$); hello RAD

3. Your food will look good, taste better, and stay warm in well-designed reusables;

4. You will get discounts, cool rewards, and free drinks for reducing waste when using Cano 😉!

via GIPHY

With that in mind, normal sanitary measures do need to be available to make it friendly for everyone:

For a coffee shop/restaurant/food retailer:

• Wash your hands (and make sure there’s hand sanitizer available for your customers);

• Accept only empty, clean, and preferably wide open-end containers from customers;

• Clean and disinfect surfaces on a regular basis with the usual products recommended by the health and safety guidelines applicable in your area;

• For customer-handled service utensils: clean them after each use.

For a customer:

• Wash your hands :)

• Bring an empty and clean container (ideally with a large opening to facilitate a non-contact filing);

• Avoid contact between your containers and the retailer’s dispensers;

• Thank the retailer for the efforts they are making 💚🙏🏼

If your favorite coffee shop or restaurant still hesitate to serve you in your good old coffee mug again or borrow a Cano (the new kid on the block), send them this article! 🌎

In 2022, let’s transition to reusable (for good!) 🌱

* To read more on the subject, you can pursue your reading with the links below:
- https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/reusable-mugs-startucks-1.6150399

- https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Health-Expert-Statement_FinalGPI-.pdf

- https://www.polymtl.ca/durable/vaisselle

- The Guide to the best practices in food, health, and safety for the handling of containers and other reusable items

- INSPQ