8 local restos that are taking the eco-friendly route and saying NO to single-use plastics
The big issue on everyone's lips is the huge amounts of single-use plastics on the market, especially in the food and beverage industry. Excessive packaging and to-go boxes that are used for a quick lunch and disposed of are probably the planet’s biggest enemy. But these restos on the Maltese Islands are trying to change that with various initiatives and policies implemented to combat this ongoing issue.
1. Starbucks
Fresh on the Maltese market, the Starbucks outlet at Vault 15 along the Valletta Waterfront haes a system offering a 25c discount to all customers who bring in a reusable mug or tumbler, and offer plastic cutlery only upon request.
2. Po-K
The first Hawaiian-inspired poke bowl store in Malta also deserve to be on this list. Po-K uses actual (and totally reusable) coconut shells for in-house orders and biodegradable bowls and solely wooden chopsticks for those on-the-go customers.
3. Dr Juice
Dr Juice is enticing its customers to “save money while saving our planet” with their new initiative. The juice store launched a new and reusable stainless steel juice cup that automatically entitles customers to double the loyalty points every time they refill their cup. #boostyourday
4. Burger King
Recently stepping into a Burger King store myself, I saw something cool while waiting for my guilty burger pleasure. Burger King aren’t giving out plastic straws for in-house orders unless requested! While they are still including them for take-out orders, it’s a step in the right direction!
5. Kitchen Concepts
Restaurants operating under Kitchen Concepts such as Gululu, Manakis and Vecchia Napoli will not be having single-use plastics on their tables, including plastic cocktail stirrers, plastic straws, plastic ice-cream cups and spoons and much more.
6. Levantina
Levantina in Mriehel have completely omitted plastic containers for their takeaway orders, and have started using foldable cardboard food boxes that are just as efficient and so much more eco-friendly!
7. Talbot and Bons
Talbot and Bons have been plastic free since 2016, but are definitely worth the mention. The restaurant and bar serves all their drinks in glasses as opposed to plastic cups that will be thrown away once used. They also use paper straws for their fab cocktails.
8. Bandit
Bandit is another resto worth adding to this list. The delicious burger joint uses paper pods for pumped sauces, their burgers are wrapped in paper, an they also offer paper straws. Yay!
Which other restos with kick-ass eco initiatives have you come across?