Reusable Canvas Totes

How has this idea enhanced your club's operation, etc.?

In an effort to continuously reduce BHYC’s waste footprint, our F&B team implemented a reusable tote program. With the Club continuing take-out options in the wake of the pandemic, it was not only a sound environmental but also financial decision to implement this program.

How was this idea implemented, and what have been the club members' reactions?

Club branded reusable totes were ordered and used for to-go orders as well as members bringing leftovers home. Members were asked to please return the tote the next time that they visited the Club. After being cleaned, the tote would then be repurposed for the next member.

The use of the branded totes looked aesthetically better than using regular paper or plastic to-go bags and also completely eliminated our use of plastic bags. The membership completely bought into this effort and enthusiastically returned their totes to help keep the program running smoothly. This initiative has also helped to keep roughly 1,000 plastic bags from potentially ending up in our beloved Barnegat Bay. Our continued efforts in green programs like these will ensure that our Club, and the waterway that is so vital to our community, remain accessible for generations to come.

Side Note: New Jersey has reported an increase in single-use plastic waste, especially plastic bags, which was measured to be at 20,069 bags being collected on our beaches per year (Clean Ocean Action).