Yes, it does require water and energy to wash reusables. However, even with the energy and water needed to wash them, the overall environmental impact of reusables is substantially less than single-use, throw-away and even compostable containers. Read more about why reuse wins at events in a recent study completed by Upstream.

Our local vendor Bold Reuse collects, sanitizes and returns our reusables to us. They have relationships with both the Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Multnomah County Health Department. Their service falls outside of their regulatory purviews, but both organizations have reviewed their standard operating procedures related to the safe and sanitary washing, drying and transporting of reusable containers and cups. In addition, both organizations recognize Bold Reuse as an approved third-party service provider of reusable containers and cups for vendors.

Bold Reuse reusables are made of BPA-free polypropylene #5, which is generally considered one of the safest choices for plastic products (other #5 products include yogurt cups and baby bottles). #5 plastic is highly resistant to heat transfer and is super durable. While by no means perfect, plastic is lightweight, durable and relatively inexpensive, which are all important criteria for reusable packaging in an arena setting where we hope to scale this program.