Free, reusable party packs are available to the Damariscotta-Newcastle community. The Community Reuse Project is always looking for volunteers to help market and coordinate reservations. (Photo courtesy)
Last year, community members and visitors saved over $1,000, avoided the disposal of over 12,000 single-use food items, reduced community waste at the transfer station by nearly 250 pounds, and reduced carbon dioxide emissions by the equivalent of 0.69 tons of carbon dioxide.
They accomplished this by borrowing reusable party sets more than ten times over the past year and using them to host more than 50 parties at home and at work, instead of buying and throwing away single-use forks, spoons, knives, plates, bowls, cups and napkins.
Last July, the volunteer-led Community Reuse Project in Damariscotta, supported by CLC YCMA, Rising Tide, Mexicali Blues and Renys, put together five party packages, each for up to 20 people.
The Natural Resources Council of Maine provided grants to purchase durable and nontoxic plates, bowls and cups, while Renys donated stainless steel flatware and Mexicali Blues donated colorful cloth napkins. The YMCA and Rising Tide donated space and staff time as pick-up and drop-off locations.
Residents and visitors can sign up to reserve party packages for their upcoming parties year-round by visiting the Community Reuse Project website at bit.ly/3YDD6nb, emailing [email protected], or visiting the Community Reuse Project Facebook page.
The concept for the party packs comes from Upstream, a Damariscotta-based nonprofit working across North America to accelerate the transition from single-use to reuse. For more information on reuse and Upstream, visit upstreamsolutions.org.
