TORONTO — Farm’r Eatery & Catering — a casual farm-to-table dine-in and take-out restaurant in downtown Toronto — has launched a reusable take-out container.
The container program is a response to the restaurant’s frustration with the waste created with every new take-out order.
“For dine-in, we use real plates and cutlery, then wash them for the next customer — the waste is minimal,” says executive chef Kyle Webster.“Unfortunately, with take-out, there’s the container plus there can be a bag and one-use cutlery, which really adds up. We’re going through a ton of disposable products.”
As the cost and the garbage started to add up, the team at Farm’r began to explore alternatives to disposable containers.
“Biodegradable containers rarely end up in the proper composting facility, while recyclable containers are often contaminated and end up in landfill,” says Greg Martin, co-founder of Farm’r.
For a $4 deposit, customers can opt for the reusable container, then bring it back next time (dirty or clean) for a full refund. Farm’r also offers a $0.50 discount on every plate for bringing your own container. The container itself is better to eat out of than something made of paper or biodegradable material. It’s also dishwasher safe and can go in the microwave.
Farm’r is testing the system right now and has just launched it for pick-up through Ritual. It’s also experimenting with a reusable glass container and hopes to inspire more restaurants to adopt similar systems
Farm’r is located beside the St. Lawrence Market and offers healthy everyday meals to condo dwellers and the office-lunch crowd. The concept lets customers build-their own plate by picking a protein and two sides.
