Switch to reusable dishes and flatware for special events and daily use. Add a dishwasher to the cafeteria area. The capital investment can be regained quickly in savings from disposables and in avoided disposal costs. Linen services are an affordable source of reusable tablecloths, napkins, and dishcloths. Look into offering corporate coffee mugs or water glasses to employees and visitors to use in place of disposable cups.
Some cafeterias offer discounts to employees who bring their own cups.
Many beverages can be dispensed from tanks or refillable bottles instead of individual packages. Order food supplies in bulk and economy-size packaging. Sponsor collections of reusable goods for donation to charity. As consumers today, we often find that half of our purchasing dollars wind up in our trashcans. Fortunately, many manufacturers are beginning to take notice of consumers' desires for less wasteful products and a healthier environment.