FESTIVAL NEWS
Reusable Cup and Serviceware Program at Summer Fest
Press Release: West Seattle Junction Association, Seattle Public Utilities and Bold Reuse launch a Reusable Cup and Serviceware Program at Summer Fest
June 3, 2024
SEATTLE, WA – The West Seattle Junction is excited to announce its partnership with Seattle Public Utilities and Bold Reuse to introduce reusable drinkware, dishware, and serviceware at this year’s West Seattle Summer Fest. This collaboration aims to reduce single-use waste, promote a more sustainable festival experience in West Seattle this summer, and help the environment.
“We are thrilled to join forces with Seattle Public Utilities and Bold Reuse, two esteemed organizations dedicated to driving positive environmental change,” said Chris Mackay, Executive Director of the West Seattle Junction Association. “Embracing reusable serviceware products is a pivotal step in our mission to create a more sustainable community festival.”
The initiative will feature reusable cups in the beer garden. Plus, all Summer Fest food vendors will be required to participate in our reusable program on all three days of the festival. Multiple collection bins, clearly marked with signs indicating “Return reuse items here,” will be placed around the festival grounds. Support personnel will assist attendees in correctly sorting their items into garbage, recycling, compost, and reusable bins. Bold Reuse will then inspect, clean, and replenish items for vendors each day of the festival.
“We are excited to partner with Seattle Public Utilities and West Seattle Junction Association in helping them transform how they provide sustainable community events,” said Jennifer Skelley, customer success manager, Bold Reuse.
This reusable festival program, encompassing both cups in the beer garden and serviceware in the food area, is the first of its kind at this scale in the Seattle area. “This initiative represents a major leap forward in reducing single-use waste, showcasing the commitment of all three organizations to fostering a greener and more sustainable future,” said Jeff Fowler, Division Director of Solid Waste Services at Seattle Public Utilities. “By replacing disposable foodware with durable, reusable serviceware, the program significantly reduces the carbon, waste, and water footprints associated with traditional single-use packaging production and disposal.”
This effort is made possible by Reuse Seattle, a city-led partnership between Seattle Public Utilities and the City of Seattle’s Office of Economic Development, helping local businesses and residents transition to reusable items. The campaign has prevented the use of over 1 million single-use cups, bowls, and plates since its launch in 2022.
West Seattle Summer Fest will take place in the West Seattle Junction on July 12th, 13th, and 14th, 2024.
About West Seattle Junction Association
The West Seattle Junction Association (WSJA) is a nonprofit that develops, promotes and advocates for programs that create a safe, beautiful and vibrant Junction for our businesses and the community to thrive. The WSJA produces community events throughout the year, including Art Walk, Wine Walk, Summer Fest, Halloween in the Junction, and Hometown Holidays. The Junction helps to keep the streets safe, clean and beautiful. https://wsjunction.org
About Seattle Public Utilities
Every day SPU delivers essential, life-sustaining services while protecting public health and our environment to ensure healthy, thriving communities. SPU provides drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and solid waste services to more than 1.5 million people in the greater Seattle area. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations. www.seattle.gov/utilities
About Bold Reuse
Bold Reuse is on a mission to end single-use packaging waste. We make transitioning to reuse easy and affordable, providing a premium guest experience while reducing waste. The Portland Timbers, Portland Trail Blazers, Oregon Convention Center, Starbucks, and Imperfect Foods have trusted Bold Reuse to implement and scale their reuse systems, diverting over 4 million pounds of single-use products from landfills. For more information, visit https://www.boldreuse.com.