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Skip the Stuff

Category

Waste & Recycling

Impact

Cost

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Description
Single-use plastics like utensils, straws, and condiment packets often come automatically with takeout and delivery—even when we don’t need them. Most of these items can’t be recycled, and they add up to nearly five million tons of waste each year across the United States. Not only do they clutter our homes, but they contribute to litter, harm wildlife, and break down into microplastics that impact our environment and health.

That’s why Ashland is joining the growing movement to “Skip the Stuff.” By requesting only the items you actually need, you can help reduce waste, support local businesses in saving money, and show that Ashland cares about sustainability.

Nearby communities like Newton and Wellesley have already seen positive results by encouraging “by-request-only” policies for single-use items, and its time for our community to do its part. Together, we can help Ashland lead the way toward a cleaner, greener future.

Click on the Steps to Take and Deep Dive sections to learn more. Don’t forget to add a testimonial on your experience with Skit the Stuff.

Steps to Take

Steps to Take

  • When ordering takeout or delivery, tell the restaurant you don’t need utensils, straws, or condiments unless you really need them
  • Leave a note in your online order or ask in person—most businesses are happy to honor the request
  • Bring your own takeout container, reusable utensils and straws if you’re eating on the go
  • Support and thank local restaurants that are adopting “Skip the Stuff” policies—let them know you appreciate their efforts
  • Lobby restaurants who don’t, to adopt Skip the Stuff policies.
  • Encourage friends, family, and neighbors to join you in skipping unnecessary single-use items
  • Share on social media or through Energize Ashland to spread the word and inspire others to act

Deep Dive

Deep Dive

Why does skipping single-use items matter?
Most single-use plastic utensils and packets cannot be recycled. They often end up in landfills, incinerators, or as litter—contributing to pollution and microplastics that harm wildlife and even enter our food and water.

What if I need utensils or condiments?
Just ask! “Skip the Stuff” is all about choice—businesses will still provide items when you request them.

How does this help businesses?
Local restaurants save money when they don’t have to purchase as many single-use items. For example, reducing 100 cutlery packs a day can save a restaurant about $2,500 a year.

Aren’t “compostable” utensils a good alternative?
Unfortunately, most “compostable” plastics aren’t accepted in local composting programs and often behave much like regular plastics in the environment. Reducing use is the most effective option.

What if the restaurant gives me items I didn’t ask for?
Friendly feedback helps! Let them know you appreciate it when they “Skip the Stuff.” The more people ask, the more likely businesses are to adopt this practice.

Is anyone else doing this?
Yes—Newton, Wellesley, and many communities across Massachusetts and the U.S. are encouraging or adopting “by-request” policies, and it’s becoming the new norm.

How much of a difference does it really make?

·        Restaurants spent $19 billion on disposable items, pre-COVID

·        Local governments spend $1 billion annually managing the waste litter

·        23 million metric tons of plastic waste enters the ocean annually – the U.S. is the biggest source

·        In the U.S., 561 billion disposable food service items are used every year, creating 4.9 million tons of waste

·        Disposable utensils – more than 36 billion are used every year in the United States. Put end to end, they would wrap around the Earth 139 times.

·        Americans use as much as 142 billion straws each year.

·        Napkins and other paper products come from trees and require significant water to produce.  Cutting trees propels the climate crisis and destroys habitat,

Production of plastic emits greenhouse gases and harms communities near oil and plastic production and waste incineration facilities.

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