Skip the Stuff, Maine!
Pass Skip the Stuff ordinances across the state of Maine.
Our Maine Chapter is launching a "Skip the Stuff" campaign to pass local "Skip the Stuff" ordinances across numerous Maine cities and towns.
Our first targets are the towns of Norway and Biddeford. If you are a resident/ know residents in either, or have another town in mind, please reach out to maine@surfrider.org
What is “Skip The Stuff?”
Skip The Stuff (“STS”) is a national campaign that aims to reduce foodware waste by ensuring that restaurant takeout orders do not automatically include single-use accessories such as plastic utensils, straws, condiments, and napkins. Under an STS policy, these items would be added only upon request by the customer.
STS was originally developed by Upstream Solutions (which offers an STS “toolkit” of campaign resources), and there are multiple models from other organizations including Just-Zero and Beyond Plastics.
STS policies are tailored to the needs of the local communities that they are passed in. But as a general guideline, check out this FAQ developed by the City of Denver, Colorado.
In general, single-use condiments would include packaged items such as:
- Sauces (like ketchup, relish, mayo, mustard, soy sauce, salad dressing, hot sauce)
- Seasonings (like salt, pepper, parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes)
- Spreads (like cream cheese, jelly, butter)
And single-use food service ware items would include:
- Knives, forks, spoons, sporks, and chopsticks
- Napkins
- Straws
- Stirrers, splash sticks, and cocktail sticks
How can I get involved in Skip The Stuff with Surfrider Maine?
Contact climate@maine.surfrider.org.