We partner with food outlets in Maui to implement practical reuse solutions for replacing disposable foodware.
Every disposable cup, container, and utensil we use represents a chain of environmental consequences stretching from resource extraction to waste disposal. When we choose reuse, we break this destructive cycle at its source.
The science is clear: reusable systems outperform single-use options across all metrics. After just 20-30 uses, reusable items surpass their break-even point, delivering substantial health and environmental benefits with each additional use.
From greenhouse gas emissions to water consumption, resource extraction, waste generation, and plastic pollution, reuse emerges as the definitive solution.
Reuse is the right solution for millions of single-use items from Maui's 2.5 million annual visitors that creates massive waste management challenges that neither landfills nor incinerators can adequately address.
The Maui government has taken a monumental step by banning plastic foodware. However, there are several challenges with substitution strategies. For instance, many "compostable" alternatives contain plastic linings or harmful chemicals that require specialized break-down facilities that have limitations.
Opaque product information, deceptive marketing and confusing certifications mislead both restaurants and customers, creating a false sense of sustainability while perpetuating waste management challenges. In contrast, reuse strategies eliminate disposal needs entirely, offering a more effective solution.
Reuse can create a bustling and regenerative economy in Maui, keeping both materials and money flowing within our community and creating several employment opportunities in collection, washing/sanitation and redistribution. We estimate that reusable foodware could eliminate up to 100 metric tons annual waste in Maui with associated $8 million in estimated yearly savings for the island community that may be redeployed in growth.
Reuse represents more than environmental stewardship for Maui's limited resources —it's a practical necessity. Reuse honors the traditional Hawaiian value of malama 'āina (caring for the land) by treating resources as precious and worthy of preservation rather than as temporary conveniences to be discarded.
Together, we can transform our relationship with resources and build lasting systems that protect Mau for generations to come.
A third of the landfill waste comprises single-use disposable foodware which can be significantly reduced by switching to reusables.
--- Upstream, a change agent for Reuse
32% of all plastic packaging produced finds its way to our oceans every year; this figure is the equivalent of pouring one garbage truck of plastic into the ocean every minute
-- A World Economic Forum Study
75% of water bottles are not recycled; they take 450 years to beak down.
--- World Wildlife Fund
Over 1 million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals die from plastic pollution every year, either by ingestion or entanglement.
--- UNESCO, 2021
Project Reuse is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Maui-based restaurants and other food outlets transition from using disposables to safe and responsibly-made reusable foodware. We partner with national organizations like Rethink Disposable, who have a track record of making the switch cost-effective for businesses while delivering a better experience for customers. We believe strongly in working together with the county, local non-profits and businesses as well other members of community to achieve outsized impact.
We focus on developing a robust underlying system - a set of processes and supporting services - that enables the adoption of reusables. Our goal is to create frictionless opportunities for as many food outlets as possible to shift away from disposables.
Our solution involves implementation of these key foundational elements:
To create an efficient operating loop for our food services partners, we work with a number of local companies that provide services such as washing hubs, transportation, warehousing, site-setup, training, etc. If you are a business or a community member who can help with this transformation to a reuse system, please reach out!
We form partnerships with local and national organizations as well as the local government to understand current challenges and solutions. By leveraging the expertise, knowledge, and credibility of our partners, we accelerate progress and ensure success.
We are inspired by Hawaiian values to work with respect and compassion to understand the needs and perspectives of key stakeholders, building relationships rooted in trust that lead to shared success.
We develop and deploy innovative, proven, cost-effective solutions to replace disposable foodware. We offer hands-on support to food outlets during implementation and beyond by providing training and other resources, enabling their seamless and permanent switch to reusables.
- Upstream, a change agent for Reuse
Reuse is a Win-Win-Win for our community, offering healthier and better tasting food, decreasing trash polluting our land and water, and reducing overall cost of waste. Case studies from recent conversions show that food outlets realize ongoing net savings only after a few months of reuse.
Help us with our marketing, including managing our website, collateral and social media, working remotely from anywhere.
Assist with ground efforts by enrolling restaurants in the Reuse program. Click to volunteer.
Get in touch to fund. All contributions will directly support the Reuse program and will be used for reusable containers and utensils for food outlets, dishwashing solutions, staff training and community outreach events.
If you have mastered being disposable-free, share your story with us and others who are on their Reuse journey. Email us so we can spotlight your success, and help make the switch easier for all.
Our mission thrives through partnerships. We're always looking to collaborate on projects and events. If your organization shares our goal and values, let's work together to make a positive impact.
Founder
Suparna is passionate about driving social change in the areas of sustainability, conservation and gender equality. She loves the ocean and its inhabitants, and spends as much time as she can snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and paddle boarding. She feels incredibly privileged to enjoy the beauty and magic of Maui, and is actively inv
Founder
Suparna is passionate about driving social change in the areas of sustainability, conservation and gender equality. She loves the ocean and its inhabitants, and spends as much time as she can snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and paddle boarding. She feels incredibly privileged to enjoy the beauty and magic of Maui, and is actively involved with two local non-profits dedicated to preserving its unique ecosystem. She founded Project Reuse as another way to help protect Maui's "aina" from "mauka to makai". Previously, Suparna held senior executive roles in marketing and strategy for Fortune 100 companies. For the past two decades, she has worked in leadership positions with conservation organizations, driving change and fostering collaboration to achieve meaningful results. Suparna co-founded Women Back to Work, a program that creates systemic pathways for women to re-enter the workforce. She is also an Advisory Board member for Project Coyote, which works to protect wild carnivores for their intrinsic and ecological value.
Co-Founder
Shveta enjoys nature walks, treks and hikes, and is deeply dismayed by the irresponsible consumption habits that wreak havoc to our environment and the stark, disproportionate impact this has on vulnerable ecosystems such as on the island of Maui. Inspired to reverse this effect by reimagining our approach, and enabling change i
Co-Founder
Shveta enjoys nature walks, treks and hikes, and is deeply dismayed by the irresponsible consumption habits that wreak havoc to our environment and the stark, disproportionate impact this has on vulnerable ecosystems such as on the island of Maui. Inspired to reverse this effect by reimagining our approach, and enabling change in mindset and actions, Shveta is committed to Project Reuse to unlock tremendous potential for environmental restoration and social progress within the community.
Shveta brings nearly two decades of experience in driving the strategy, growth and operational excellence at Citibank across Retail Banking, Wealth Management and Credit Cards & Lending. She has played a prominent role in promoting women’s leadership development, and mentored aspiring colleagues through her work for Black and Hispanic Heritage Network. Shveta earned her MBA in Finance and Economics from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Shveta excels at launching and managing strategic programs, while leading with empathy.
Co-Founder
Neha's love for the ocean draws her to snorkeling, diving and even attempts at surfing during any free-time she can find. She is profoundly concerned with the rising levels of solid waste - much of which is avoidable - polluting the oceans, and is therefore contributing her time and effort for their preservation through Project
Co-Founder
Neha's love for the ocean draws her to snorkeling, diving and even attempts at surfing during any free-time she can find. She is profoundly concerned with the rising levels of solid waste - much of which is avoidable - polluting the oceans, and is therefore contributing her time and effort for their preservation through Project Reuse.
Neha is a senior finance leader at Freshworks Inc., a SAAS technology company. She is a Certified Public Accountant and for the past 18+ years has led teams to develop strong financial and operational processes and controls, including enterprise risk management and mitigation programs at large companies such as PricewaterhouseCoopers. Neha has been involved with several non-profit organizations as a consultant and as an auditor, helping her clients establish responsible accounting and book-keeping practices. Neha is adept at pursuing new strategies with appropriate checks and balances.