Skip the Stuff is a movement aimed at reducing single-use plastic accessories across Montana.
Plastic waste is a growing concern worldwide. Each year, billions of single-use plastics and paper accessories – utensils, straws, napkins, and condiments – are given to customers who order meals for take-out or delivery. But most take-out and delivery meals go to homes and offices already stocked with these items, and those single-use disposables end up in the trash or littering the land.
Although Montana may seem relatively litter-free and clean, plastic pollution can have impacts beyond what our eyes can see. Plastics don’t disappear when you throw them in the trash. The only way to protect ourselves and solve this issue is to reduce the distribution of non-essential plastics. This is where business and local community consumers come in!
By “skipping the stuff” businesses can save money, cut down on plastic waste, and help keep plastic out of our environment.
How does it work?
Businesses: Give customers the choice to “Skip the Stuff” and avoid single-use disposables!
For customer orders (dine-in and leftovers, as well as take-out and delivery), make accessories such as plastic utensils, straws, stirrers, bags, condiments, plates, and napkins available upon request only.
Allow customers to bring in their own reusable containers for leftovers and take-out orders.
Reduce the amount of single-use plastic utensils distributed and consumed.
Opt for plastic-free alternatives when single-use items are necessary.
By agreeing to “Skip the Stuff,” businesses will show they support customer choice to use or to avoid single-use plastics.
Why should businesses Skip the Stuff?
Potential benefits to businesses include:
Net savings by reducing materials purchased and distributed.
Increase customer base for businesses that show an active effort to reduce the use of plastics.
Reduce pollution in Montana and protect our communities from further harm by plastics.
Skip The Stuff Montana is a collaboration between MontPIRG, MT Plastic Free Missoula, and Families for a Livable Climate Beyond Plastics Working Group.
Get involved as a group, organization, business or as a community member!