Green Food Court Key in Ecofriendly Living Goals

Since May 2009, Oakville Place Food Court has been providing food court customers with the choice of washable plastic or disposable plates.  It’s a new program to the Greater Toronto Area (and possibly Canada but correct me if I’m wrong) and it appears to be a hit with customers who appreciate having an ecofriendly living choice.

According to an article in the Toronto Star, Jason Miller spent an hour observing customers dining at any of the food court’s 10 eateries and not a single disposable plate was chosen.  There were take-out containers requested by customers opting to eat elsewhere but for in-court diners, reusable was the way to go.  Estimates from eatery employees put the number at 9 out of 10 customers opting for reusable.  That equates to anywhere from 500 to 1000 plates per day being diverted from landfills.  If you have any concern with reusing plastic plates you can put your mind to rest.  The plates are washed and sterilized before being restocked. 

The food court program is part of a strategy of creating a mall that is more in-line with ecofriendy living.  Their ultimate goal is to achieve a 50% reduction in waste going to landfill by next year.  Very honourable. 
Hopefully more malls will take heed and adapt their own green initiatives.  If Oakville Place is any indication, ecofriendly living is catching on.  Consumers need only be presented with the option.  As Martha would say, it’s a good thing.

Tags: Conscious consumer, Eco Friendly, eco friendly life, eco friendly living, eco friendly shopping, ecofriendly, environmentally conscious, planet forward