New Calgary service hopes to keep takeaway containers out of landfills – Calgary

A Calgary man has come up with a new solution to the growing environmental problems of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It’s all about taking a bite out of all those takeout containers that go to the landfill.

John MacInnes is an eco-minded entrepreneur who started a reusable takeaway container service called Land in November 2021.

The company charges customers, and the restaurant becomes part of a program that provides reusable containers to restaurants.

After picking up the food at the restaurant or having the food delivered, the customer can either leave the used container at the company’s delivery boxes around Calgary or Earthware will pick up the container from the customer’s home.

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Starting a business during COVID-19 is certainly risky, but Earthware is finding it to be a good time.

“Output has increased dramatically: cargo volumes have skyrocketed during the pandemic,” said MacInnes. “It’s a great opportunity for us.”

For many restaurants that use the service, switching to reusable containers can be financially beneficial.

Peter Fraiberg, owner of Grumans Delicatessen, said: “The boxes that we put all the food in, it doesn’t come cheap. “And not only that: where do all these boxes go?”

Dee Jelly was picking up lunch out of a regular disposable takeout container on Thursday when she learned about Earthware’s new service, which she felt was a good idea.

“There’s a lot of trash that’s going to happen after multiple take-aways,” says Jelly.

While the transition to reusable containers comes with a cost, Fraiberg said, it’s money well spent.

“I would rather spend that money on recycling than watch it go in the trash,” says Fraiberg.

About 30 restaurants in Calgary are participating in the program, with Earthware hoping to expand to include a much higher number.

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“Prevent single-use containers from going into landfills,” says MacInnes. “Save the planet, one container at a time.”

Jelly says she’s now considering switching to Earthware’s takeout service.

“We want to save the planet, do good things for mother nature – she deserves it.”