Skip the Stuff: New Bill Aims to Reduce Restaurant Waste in Colorado
By Tendai Keith Guvamombe
Senator Lisa Cutter is championing a new bill, SB260-146, aimed at reducing unnecessary waste in restaurants. The Skip the Stuff bill requires restaurants to only provide plastic cutlery, condiment packets, and other single-use items upon customer request.
This initiative is the result of collaboration with Cherry Creek High School students who were eager to tackle the issue of styrofoam waste.
After engaging with advocacy groups, they shifted focus to a broader approach that could make a significant impact on pollution and save restaurant owners money.
According to Senator Cutter, “We often forget to ask restaurants to skip the extras, and this bill will eliminate tons of waste and save restaurants money.”
Statistics support the cause: 70% of single-use plastic is comprised of food containers, cutlery, and wrappers, while restaurants in the US spend a staggering $24 billion on disposable food service ware annually.
The students involved have been instrumental in drafting the policy and coordinating the social media campaign.
Senator Cutter praises their efforts, stating, “I want them to understand that they can participate in the legislative process and make a difference.”
The Skip the Stuff bill has the potential to make a significant dent in the 20 billion pieces of litter from disposable food-service packaging that end up as waste each year.
With Senator Cutter’s dedication to zero-waste policies, this bill is one step closer to becoming a reality.