1. Provide a Green Solution
From San Francisco to Massachusetts, communities across the country (and the globe) are banning the use of plastic bags, plastic bottles and the like. All the reusable totes and stainless steel canteens are a mark of progress, but there is still tremendous waste generated by our “take out” lifestyle. Most eateries have shifted away from Styrofoam, but plastic utensils and other non-recyclable packaging are still being poured into landfills. Enter Bay Area-based To-Go Ware with the aim to make sustainably produced utensils, beverage containers, food carriers, and more a part of our daily lives. To-Go Ware’s founder, Stephanie Bernstein, found inspiration from the steadfast culture of reusable coffee mugs among students at the University of Michigan. The company strives to “make available innovative products that provide a solution, tell a great story, and are enjoyable to use.” And they’ve done so, climbing to such heights as distributing in Whole Foods, among countless other retailers.
2. The Product Should Back the Message
Whenever possible, To-Go Ware uses locally sourced and post-consumer materials from companies with responsible practices for both employees and the environment. Their current line features a bamboo utensil set sourced from a cottage industry factory in China certified sustainable by a third-party. paired with a utensil carrying case produced by a Burmese refugee women’s project. Their food carriers are made of stainless steel from a company certified through ISO 9001 quality management standardization. They accompanying food carrier bags are also made with reclaimed cotton, in an effort to cut out the production of new materials whenever possible.
3.Be Good and Be Transparent
Their commitment to ethics goes full circle, with a firm stance on encouraging sustainable economics. One visit to the company’s Mission page can sure all doubts with detailed literature on human rights, environment, sustainable economies, quality, and company transparency.
To-Go Ware exemplifies business in the new age, profiting while keeping interconnectedness in perspective. When we started the Flying Cart Green Lights Eco-Friendly Stores giveaway, it was with the example set forth by companies like To-Go Ware in mind. Our goal is to encourage more “To-Go Wares” in the online market place. If you run a small business selling environmentally responsible products, or have aspirations to do so, visit the Flying Cart Green Lights Eco-Friendly Stores application page.
