Bring it Back Utensils Program

Company : BriarPatch Food Co-op

Program category : Social Impact

Origins:

In 2024, BriarPatch took a major step forward in reducing waste by launching its “Bring it Back Utensils” initiative. With around 1 TRILLION pieces of single-use food service items thrown away annually in the U.S., the co-op recognized the need to reduce its reliance on disposables. Shoppers receive stainless steel silverware for both their “for here” and “to go” meals. There is no deposit or cost to shoppers. The co-op understands that not every fork, spoon and knife will find its way back, but even if half are returned, they will still save thousands of dollars on cutlery annually (and the utensils that don’t come back become ambassadors for multi-use items). Shoppers can return their forks, spoons and knives in bins located right at the front of the stores – you don’t even need to wash them - BriarPatch takes care of washing and sterilization for you. And, as a bonus, eating with real utensils certainly elevates the “to go” experience!

Contribution:

BriarPatch and its team invested considerable time, energy, and resources into bringing this initiative to life. Led by our dedicated Sustainability Coordinator, the project began with months of in-depth research and careful planning to ensure a smooth and effective rollout. The coordinator worked collaboratively with departments throughout the store, coordinating staff training sessions, ordering essential supplies like bins and cleaning materials, and partnering with the Marketing team to develop educational materials for shoppers. This initiative is more than just a store program; it’s a shared effort rooted in our values of sustainability and community. Our team worked diligently to lay the groundwork, but the program’s long-term success depends on collective participation. By sorting properly, staying informed and embracing these changes, both shoppers and staff play a vital role in making a meaningful environmental impact. Together, we’re proving that small daily actions can lead to powerful, lasting change.

Objectives:

Prior to the “Bring it Back” program, BriarPatch distributed hundreds of thousands of disposable utensils annually among both stores. Seeking a more sustainable option but with limited infrastructure to properly process bioplastics like PLA in their area, BriarPatch implemented a solution that prevents compostable utensils from being littered, incinerated or landfilled. Further, BriarPatch recognized that this truly sustainable solution will help keep plastics and bioplastics out of the oceans and pastures, and out of the animals that call these places home. Some items labeled “compostable” contain chemical additives that can leach into the soil, and can be toxic to microbes, insects and plants.

Impact:

In 2023, BriarPatch’s Grass Valley and Auburn stores purchased 283,000 disposable utensils, costing over $20,000 and generating a significant amount of waste. By switching to reusable utensils, they have reduced this number dramatically. Between April 1, 2024, and April 1, 2025, they purchased only 56,160 reusable utensils at a cost of just $8,338, saving over $12,000 compared to the previous year. This not only cuts costs but also helps reduce single-use pollution. With our initial results, we are seeing that our customers are participating in the program.

Quote:

"We're incredibly proud of how our community and staff have embraced the Bring it Back Utensils project. With everyone’s commitment, we transitioned from single-use to reusable utensils - preventing over 280,000 disposables from ending up in landfills, pastures, or oceans, where they can harm wildlife and soil. Since April 2024, we've used just 56,160 reusable utensils. This shift not only reduced our environmental footprint but also saved the co-op over $12,000 in one year by eliminating the constant repurchasing of disposable cutlery. Our team’s dedication to washing, managing, and educating members about reusables has been key to our success. Together, we've proven that small, practical changes—backed by community and staff support—can lead to big results for both the planet and our co-op."

— Sasha Scott, Sustainability Coordinator, BriarPatch Food Co-op