SEDAC has embarked on a collaborative project aimed at transforming the foodservice industry in the Chicagoland area. In partnership with the leadership and expertise of our collaborators at the Illinois Green Business Association, Takeout 25, Bright Beat, and Seven Generations Ahead, our aim is to promote the widespread adoption of alternative, single use foodware without harmful chemicals, and we invite you to be part of this pioneering movement.
Why is this important?
Traditional single-use foodware, such as plastic takeout containers, can use coatings that leach harmful chemicals known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), into our food and beverages, potentially causing adverse health effects for people. These “forever chemicals” have been linked to numerous health issues and environmental hazards, making their elimination from our daily lives a paramount priority. Additionally, these non-compostable products contribute significantly to the ever-growing problem of plastic pollution, which has far-reaching consequences for our environment and ecosystems.
How Can You Help?
The success of this initiative relies on the collective efforts of our restaurant community. Here’s how you can contribute:
- Share Information: Spread the word about our initiative with businesses in your community, encouraging them to explore safer alternatives to traditional takeout containers.
- Encourage Participation: Motivate businesses to attend our informational sessions, where they can learn about the available assistance and resources to make the transition to alternative, single use foodware without harmful chemicals.
- Educate Others: Share educational materials about PFAS and ways to avoid them with those in your community, raising awareness about the potential risks and the importance of making informed choices.
Our Approach
To accomplish this goal, we have developed a comprehensive strategy:
- Technical Assistance: Our team will provide hands-on technical assistance to 30 businesses in the Chicagoland area, guiding them through the process of identifying alternative products and facilitating the transition to safer alternatives without harmful chemicals.
- Collaborative Purchasing: By exploring collaborative purchasing opportunities, we aim to reduce the cost of safer foodware, making it more accessible and affordable for food businesses.
- Funding Support: To further ease the burden, we have secured funding to assist businesses in purchasing safer PFAS-free products, ensuring a smooth and cost-effective transition.
- Resource Development: We are creating resources and guidelines to help businesses navigate the world of alternative single use foodware choices that don’t include harmful chemicals, empowering them to make informed decisions.
- Community Education: We will actively educate all members of the communities and businesses we serve about the dangers of PFAS and how to avoid them in foodware.
Join the Movement
When restaurants take a leadership position on reducing PFAS in their foodware, it will inspire other establishments to follow suit, creating a ripple effect that will drive positive change throughout the Chicagoland area and beyond.
Join us in this movement to embrace PFAS-free takeout containers and be part of the solution for a safer, more sustainable future. To learn more about how to get involved or access our resources, please email us at greenbiz@mx.uillinois.edu or call us at 800-214-7954.
Want to Participate?
We will provide technical assistance to food-focused businesses and nonprofit organizations located in or adjacent to environmental justice (EJ) or disadvantaged communities. Organizations eligible for technical assistance and support must be in:
- A community that is within 10 miles of a disadvantaged community in the greater Chicagoland area, as defined by the EPA Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST) and/or the Cook County Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) with a score of 0.6 or higher.
- A Cross Community Climate Collaborative (C4) community: Berwyn, Bellwood, Broadview, Forest Park, Hillside, Maywood, North Riverside, Oak Park, River Grove, River Forest, Riverside, Westchester
- A Takeout 25 service area: Austin/Galewood, Berwyn, Cicero, Elmwood Park, Forest Park, Oak Park, River Forest.
