You scream, we scream, we all scream for ice cream. Maybe not everyone, but my kids sure do. They ask, they beg they plead and sometimes even scream. That’s the thing about living in a destination tourist town, there is always someone on vacation within eyesight having ice cream. It’s not the easiest thing to understand for little kids, always surrounded by others eating ice cream. Once in a while, my kids get what they want and who doesn’t love a tasty frozen treat on a hot day. From years of trying to reduce our waste and our impact, I’ve realized that the ice cream cone may be the original zero waste take-away container.
Waste Over the Years
Over the years, I couldn’t help but notice the waste being produced by the variety of ice cream and gelato shops and their customers. The plastic cups, the plastic lined paper cups, the plastic lids, the plastic spoons, big or little, the plastic straws and even the plastic spoon straw combo.
The plastic spoons used for sampling flavours are the ultimate single use. It might even be the shortest lifespan of single use plastic before it gets tossed. I am guessing that multiple billions of these get used every year for a quick second before making their way to the landfill, waterways and oceans. Little disposables add up to cause larger plastic problems. What are we to do? Well, I won’t tell you to give up frozen treats, but like most things, a bit of forethought goes a long way.
Let’s Look at the Simple Ice Cream Cone, an Original Zero Waste Take-away Container
First, consider the ice cream cone. A lot could be learned from this simple concept. So much could be gained in waste and pollution prevention if all of our take-out containers were edible. Having a cone cuts out the need for all the single use plastics and is pretty tasty. Could it be that the simple ice cream cone is the original zero waste take-away container?
My eldest daughter taught me the history of the cone. Some of them can be traced back to France and the UK in the 1800, but it was in 1904 at the St Louis World Fare where an ice cream vendor ran out cups and started rolling up waffles from a nearby vendor into cones to keep the business going. Some say that this is where the ubiquitous ice cream cone hit the mainstream.
The simple act of choosing a cone can cut out many unnecessary single use plastic items, the cups and spoons… What else out there is an edible take out container? Maybe the bun at a hot dog stand? Maybe there is something new to the market? I vaguely remember seeing an edible bowl made from rice that could hold lots of take-out options. Let me know in the comment section if you have any other ideas. Maybe a better future is based on edible over disposable?
Planning and Forethought are Key
Second, some forethought and a bit of planning go a long way. Some say it’s the key to the zero-waste lifestyle. I find if we talk to our kids before going to the ice cream shop, we can avoid so much of the unnecessary waste. Forget to talk about it and they might try ten different flavors with single use spoons and end up with some sort of plastic container and another spoon. Make zero plastic part of the deal before going and they will still be happy getting ice cream.
Reusables and Compostables before Disposables
An important part of your planning is knowing which vendors have reusable cups or spoons. If edibles are not an option, the next best thing are reusables. Some businesses out there do care about the environment. They might serve in reusable bowls and have washable spoons. Over time you get to know your local vendors and what they have to offer. Some might use compostable products, like a small wooden stir stick for samples which is still better that single use plastic.
Zero Waste Ice Cream at Home
Next, you might be wondering how to be zero waste buying ice cream for home. Most obvious options use plastic and plastic lined paper. Depending on where you live, zero waste options can be quite easy. If not, go out for a cone. Some options to avoid the container waste are using a glass storage jar, ideally a glass clip top canning jar and have it filled at the nearest dairy, ice cream shop or farmer’s market vendor. Pay by weight or by scoop and keep it in the freezer until the temptation arises.
Make Your Own
Also, you can learn to make your own, some of the best ice creams have the simplest ingredients. For those who are vegan or lactose intolerant out there, it can be as simple as the single ingredient frozen banana ice cream or lemon sorbet.
Häagen-Dazs Invests in New Reusable Container
Lucky enough to live in an area serviced by Loop grocery stores? Haagen-Dazs, the big player in the ice cream industry has spent a million dollars developing a reusable stainless-steel container. Much like the age-old glass milk bottle you pay a deposit and get it back when you return the packaging for re-use. Exactly the kind of refill and re-use model that we need for ice cream or any groceries for that matter.
Perfect Example
If you happen to travel to Powell River British Columbia, check out Wild Scoop. They are a perfect example of a low waste ice cream shop. Not only are their products super tasty, they use milk from grass fed cows or make vegan friendly options. They have pre-made hard ice creams and fresh fruit infused soft ice cream with a dairy or vegan coconut base. Their cones are freshly made in house, they use small wooden spoons for samples… If you’re looking to buy ice cream for home it’s sold in reusable and refillable glass jars. By far the best example of a low waste ice cream business I have ever come across.
Final Thoughts
In the end, whether the kids are screaming- I meant to say “being awesome”, or that you just need a cold treat, order it in an ice cream cone. Otherwise enjoy it at home by making your own or having your reusable container filled with frozen goodness. Kick back and feel good that you’re making a difference.
Have your cake, uh, I mean ice cream and eat it too.
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Pat
Pat is a Ski Patroller/Avalanche Technician with a keen interest in design and sustainable living due to a longtime passion for the outdoors. Seeing glaciers melt, seasons change, summer skies full of smoke and beach pollution first hand, motivate him to make a difference.
As Yvon Chouinard Founder of Patagonia says “If you are not part of the solution, you are still part of the problem”.