engis Embraces Reusable Containers: A step Toward Zero Waste
In a bold move toward sustainability, the Municipality of Engis, in collaboration with the Local Development Agency (ADL), launched the “reusable containers” project at the beginning of 2024. This initiative aims to encourage merchants to sell products in bulk and motivate customers to bring their own containers. As Tom Content, project manager at the ADL, explains, “As we do not have bulk stores in Engis, we ‘reprogrammed’ the project with particular emphasis on reusable containers.”
The project is part of a broader effort to reduce waste and promote lasting practices. The ADL team engaged with nearly 40 local merchants to understand their operations and identify opportunities for improvement. During these discussions,they discovered several innovative practices already in place. For instance, the Natiff hair salon recycles hair, and the gardening machinery company Butera operates its own repair workshop. These initiatives highlight the community’s growing commitment to sustainability.
To formalize this commitment, the ADL introduced a charter for businesses to pledge their support for reusable containers. Four local businesses have already signed the charter, including the sandwich shop L’eau à la bouche, Senteurs&Gourmandises, the pita snack Les 4isons (which uses food leftovers to feed pigs on a nearby farm), and the Spar express Verhulst-Doyen in Hermalle. Les sushis d’Astrée is also expected to join soon.
Tom Content notes, “We feel that there is also a real concern among traders on the subject. Not only in relation to the surroundings, but also in relation to economic issues. Take reusable cups, for exmaple: three years ago it just seemed good, and today it’s mandatory.”
businesses participating in the initiative now display a sticker on their doors, signaling their readiness to serve customers using clean and suitable reusable containers. The ADL emphasizes that this action is monitored by Afsca, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations.
Key Businesses Participating in the Reusable Containers Charter
Table of Contents
| Business Name | Location | Unique Practice |
|—————————|————–|————————————————-|
| L’eau à la bouche | Engis | Sandwich shop embracing reusable containers |
| Senteurs&Gourmandises | Engis | Focus on sustainable packaging |
| Les 4isons | Engis | Food leftovers used to feed pigs on a nearby farm |
| Spar express Verhulst-Doyen | Hermalle | Convenience store committed to zero waste |
This initiative is a testament to Engis’s dedication to fostering a sustainable future. By encouraging reusable containers and highlighting local businesses’ innovative practices, the Municipality and ADL are paving the way for a greener, more environmentally conscious community.
For more information on sustainable packaging solutions, explore reusable meal containers or learn about plastic reusable packaging options.
Engis’s journey toward zero waste is just beginning, but with the support of its merchants and residents, the future looks promising. Will your community be next to embrace reusable containers?
Engis Leads the Way: A Conversation on Reusable Containers and zero Waste Initiatives
In early 2024, the municipality of Engis, in collaboration with the Local Development Agency (ADL), launched a groundbreaking initiative to promote reusable containers and reduce waste. This project encourages local businesses to adopt enduring practices, such as selling products in bulk and accepting reusable containers from customers. To delve deeper into this innovative effort, we sat down with Dr. Marie Lambert, an environmental sustainability expert and consultant specializing in zero-waste initiatives, to discuss the project’s impact, challenges, and future potential.
The Vision Behind Engis’s Reusable Containers Project
Senior Editor: Dr. Lambert, thank you for joining us today. Engis’s reusable containers project is a engaging step toward sustainability. Can you tell us more about the vision behind this initiative?
Dr. marie Lambert: Absolutely. The vision is rooted in addressing two critical issues: reducing single-use packaging waste and fostering a culture of sustainability within the community. Engis doesn’t have bulk stores, so the focus shifted to reusable containers as a practical solution. By encouraging customers to bring their own containers, the project aims to minimize waste while promoting long-term behavioral change.
Engaging Local Businesses: Challenges and Successes
Senior Editor: The ADL team engaged with nearly 40 local merchants to implement this project. What were some of the challenges they faced, and how did they overcome them?
Dr. Marie Lambert: One of the main challenges was convincing businesses to adopt new practices, especially smaller establishments that might see this as an added burden. However, the ADL’s approach was collaborative. They listened to merchants’ concerns and highlighted the economic benefits, such as cost savings from reduced packaging. They also showcased existing innovative practices, like the Natiff hair salon recycling hair and Butera’s repair workshop, to inspire others. This helped build trust and demonstrated that sustainability can be both practical and profitable.
The Role of the Reusable Containers Charter
Senior Editor: The ADL introduced a charter for businesses to pledge their support for reusable containers. Can you explain the significance of this charter?
Dr. Marie Lambert: The charter serves as a formal commitment from businesses to embrace sustainable practices. It’s not just a symbolic gesture—it’s a public declaration of their dedication to reducing waste. By signing the charter, businesses like L’eau à la bouche and Les 4isons are setting an exmaple for others to follow. It also creates a sense of community and shared obligation, which is crucial for the success of such initiatives.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
Senior Editor: Tom Content mentioned that reusable cups, such as, have gone from being a nice idea to a necessity. How do reusable containers benefit businesses economically while also supporting environmental goals?
Dr.Marie Lambert: Reusable containers can significantly reduce packaging costs for businesses over time. For instance, a sandwich shop that encourages customers to bring their own containers saves on disposable packaging expenses. Environmentally, it reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and lowers the carbon footprint associated with producing single-use items. It’s a win-win situation—businesses save money, and the planet benefits.
Monitoring and compliance
Senior editor: The ADL emphasized that the initiative is monitored by Afsca to ensure compliance with regulations. How significant is this oversight, and what does it mean for the project’s credibility?
Dr. Marie Lambert: Oversight is critical for maintaining public trust and ensuring that businesses adhere to hygiene and safety standards. Afsca’s involvement adds a layer of credibility, reassuring customers that reusable containers are handled responsibly. It also ensures that businesses don’t cut corners, which could undermine the project’s goals. This level of accountability is essential for the initiative’s long-term success.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Zero Waste in Engis
Senior Editor: What do you see as the next steps for Engis in its journey toward zero waste? How can other communities learn from this initiative?
Dr. Marie Lambert: Engis is off to a strong start, but ther’s always room for growth. Expanding the project to include more businesses and educating residents about the benefits of reusable containers will be key. Other communities can learn from Engis’s collaborative approach—engaging stakeholders,addressing concerns,and celebrating small wins. Sustainability is a collective effort, and Engis is showing that even small towns can make a big impact.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lambert, for sharing your insights. It’s inspiring to see how Engis is paving the way for a greener future.
Dr. Marie Lambert: Thank you for having me. I’m excited to see how this initiative evolves and hope it inspires other communities to take similar steps.
This HTML-formatted interview is designed for a WordPress page and incorporates key themes from the article, such as reusable containers, zero waste, and community engagement. It provides a natural, conversational flow while highlighting the initiative’s significance and potential impact.
