Foodservice company Sodexo has just announced its comprehensive plan to reduce their use of disposable plastics. According to the brand’s new North American Single Use Plastics Reduction Plan, items like plastic bags and stirrers will be eliminated from its 13,000 universities, schools, workplaces, hospitals, stadiums, and other venues already by 2019. Sodexo is also aiming to phase out polystyrene foam items like cups, lids, and food containers by 2025, as well as stop using plastic straws and make them available only to those who need them for accessibility by 2019.

According to the company, putting the plan into motion will eliminate 245 million pieces of single-use plastics. Sodexo is also committed to moving towards more sustainable materials and alternatives as well as seeking innovative practices and products to reduce the use of disposable plastics even further. They will also be investing in solutions that involve reuse instead of focusing solely on other throwaway options.

“Sodexo’s comprehensive plan to reduce its reliance on single-use plastic will have major benefits for the environment and human health,” said John Hocevar, Greenpeace Oceans Campaign Director. “Eliminating Styrofoam is a huge step forward. We also applaud Sodexo for committing to invest in solutions that involve reuse and not just other throwaway items.”

Earlier this year, foodservice company Aramark announced that it would take steps to reduce the use of disposable plastics across its global operations. Catering company Bon Appétit Management Company made a similar commitment by eliminating single-use plastic straws and stirrers.

“Foodservice companies have started to answer their customers’ calls for strong action on single-use plastics,” Hocevar continued. “It’s time for Compass Group, Sysco, US Foods, and other key foodservice companies, along with retailers and large fast moving consumer goods companies, to show the same urgency to reduce their plastic footprints. Recycling alone will never solve the plastic pollution crisis – it’s going to require immediate reductions in the amount of plastic that is produced and sold.”

Currently, more than 8.8 million tons of plastic waste are dumped into the ocean every year. With this in mind, it is up to individuals and corporations alike to make a change and, thankfully, this is what we are now starting to see happen. To learn more about the issue of plastic pollution and find out what you can do to use less plastic in your day-to-day life, check out One Green Planet’s #CrushPlastic campaign!

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