Perpetual Use, Inc.

Overview

Perpetual Use, Inc. is a United States-based nonprofit organization aimed at eliminating single-use plastics by promoting the adoption of reusable foodware across the country. The organization is recognized as a 501(c)(3) entity, making donations to it tax-deductible.

Mission and Goals

Perpetual Use works in partnership with local organizations and city governments to design and implement large-scale reusable foodware systems. Their mission is to facilitate a transition from disposable food containers to reusable alternatives, thereby reducing plastic waste and helping cities move towards sustainability goals, such as carbon neutrality.

Approach

The organization focuses on creating "take-and-return" systems, where consumers can borrow reusable cups and containers from various establishments like restaurants and cafes and return them at designated locations throughout the city. Perpetual Use emphasizes the importance of making reusable products affordable and accessible across all income levels, ensuring that sustainability is not a luxury but a feasible option for everyone.

Partnerships and Projects

Perpetual Use collaborates with local community groups, reuse service providers, and government entities to tailor its programs to each city's unique context. The organization has launched projects in four mid-sized cities: Ann Arbor, Michigan; Galveston, Texas; Savannah, Georgia; and Hilo, Hawaii. These projects demonstrate how reuse infrastructure can be successfully replicated across different demographics and geographies.

Impact and Vision

By establishing city-scale reuse systems, Perpetual Use aims to create a norm where reusable foodware becomes the default choice for consumers. The organization works closely with academic institutions, such as the University of Michigan Center for Sustainable Systems, to conduct life cycle analyses and ensure that its systems provide superior environmental outcomes compared to disposable alternatives.

Funding and Collaborations

Perpetual Use benefits from grants and partnerships with entities like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to support its initiatives. The EPA has highlighted the importance of large-scale reuse systems in addressing pollution challenges, and Perpetual Use plays a critical role in demonstrating the feasibility and effectiveness of such systems.