We’re excited to announce that Patricia Catering and Cocktails is the area’s only Zero Waste caterer! We are now focused on reusing, recycling and reducing our waste in all aspects of our operation. We have phased out all Styrofoam, and now use 100% compostable plates, cups and napkins. Our kitchen and office are 100% zero waste, and we now offer sustainable products and zero waste events for your next company event or Omaha wedding.
What is Zero Waste?
The simple answer is zero waste aims to send nothing to the landfill. We reuse as much as we can, send recyclables to get recycled, and compost the rest.
The more in-depth answer is that zero waste is about redefining the system. Currently, the system the majority of people are participating in is linear. We take resources from the Earth and then dump them in a giant hole in the ground. The goal of zero waste is to move to a circular system where whatever extras we have the Earth is able to absorb or compost them naturally.
How do We Do It?
We’ve partnered with Hillside Solutions, an organization that was created to connect schools, apartments communities, and businesses with landfill, recycling, and compostable hauling services. Their focus is diverting materials from the landfill, providing people with sustainable alternatives, and enabling and inspiring the community to live a zero waste lifestyle. Hillside solutions partners with Gretna Sanitation and Soil Dynamics to bring zero waste to Omaha.
The Problem with Landfills
The average American is sending 4.4lbs of trash to the landfill every day. None of the materials get sorted out, and some of it composts, and a lot of it doesn’t. Because everything is just thrown together, landfills have become toxic. They’re responsible for 20% of the methane emissions in the U.S. and aren’t adequately aerated for optimal decomposition of natural materials. Toxins from cleaners, batteries, small electronics, and other items leach into the soil and run off into the ocean and groundwater. Plastics, in particular, are causing problems in our oceans. Plastic doesn’t biodegrade – it just gets smaller.
Why Recycling can’t Solve the Problem
Recycling is great, but it can’t be the only solution. There’s simply too much to process. And processing takes energy! Only 9% of plastic gets recycled. Most of our recycling isn’t even processed in the U.S. It’s processed in China. The three R’s of sustainability are: “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.” The last line of defense is recycling, and in the future, it will likely be dedicated to the recycling of technology components.
What Does this Mean for Patricia Catering and Cocktails Clients?
This means that your next event can be a zero waste event. If your event requires hot foods, we use stainless steel pans and containers that will be washed and reused rather than disposable aluminum.
Recyclable Items
- All plastics
- Cardboard
- Tin cans
- Paper
- Styrofoam
Compostable Products
- 9 oz. and 12 oz. cups
- Palm leaf constructed plates
- Cornstalk and sugar cane constructed bowls
- Napkins
- All food scraps
Do You Want Your Next Event to be Zero Waste?
If you’re interested in learning more about zero waste and making your event zero waste, please call us. Once we learn more about your event, we can design a plan to ensure it’s zero waste, and still meet all of your expectations for an unforgettable event, whether it’s a beautiful Omaha wedding or a celebration event at your company.