Plastic Plates Trash Most plastic plates are made from #6 plastic (polystyrene). To identify your products’ plastic type, look for the resin number inside the chasing arrows, usually located on the bottom of the item. The recycling symbol does not indicate if the product is recyclable or not. Reduce, Reuse, Rewash Bring your Own– Reduce your impact by using your own plate at work or when ordering to-go.– Instead of buying new, check for used items from online share groups. Hosting a party? – Instead of providing plastic plates, opt for reusables. If additional plates are needed, consider borrowing or renting dishes.– Ask guests to BYO, bring your own reusables. This means less washing of dishes for the host.– If disposables are necessary, consider using 100% fiber-based plates instead of plastic. Put in Garbage Plastic plates are made from low-grade plastic that can’t be recycled, even if they’re brand new. Put plastic plates in the garbage. Not Suitable for Second Meal Don’t wash and reuse disposable plastic plates. The plastic degrades and becomes unsafe to eat from. Ways to Reduce Choose Reusables Instead Use reusable plates and containers instead of disposable plastic plates. If you don’t have enough plates for a gathering, consider asking a friend or family member to bring an extra set. Reusable Packaging For Businesses Check out Upstream’s catalog of reusable packaging and unpackaging innovators that provide ways for consumers to obtain products, mostly food and beverages, in returnable, reusable, or refillable packaging – or they deliver products to consumers unpackaged altogether. Ways to Reuse Reuse as Saucer for Planters Plastic plates make great saucers for indoor planters. Save for Crafts Use plates for craft time! Here’s a creative way to make wall art with plates.