Using Safer, Sustainable Food Packaging

Join the EnergySense Resilience Center and partners for “Using Safer, Sustainable Food Packaging,” a free in-person workshop on June 11th from 10 am -12 pm at the Oak Park Public Library.

Traditional single-use foodware, such as plastic takeout containers, can contain coatings that leach harmful chemicals known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) into our food and beverages, potentially causing adverse health effects.

This workshop is designed to help food business owners address PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) risks in food packaging and provide resources to navigate the transition to sustainable alternatives.

Participants will:

• Learn how to identify and purchase PFAS-free options, while gaining information on the most cost-effective options. 

• Gain insight from businesses that have begun the transition to safer alternatives

• Receive resources to communicate their transition with customers and suppliers

• And receive free food packaging samples

Workshop speakers include:

• Leslie Rodgers – Marketing & Communications Director, Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI)

• Zoharia Drizin – Sustainable Business Advisor, Illinois Green Business Association

• Aria Frawley – Sales & Partnership Manager, WasteNot Compost

• Adam Schwartz – Compost Club Engagement Coordinator, The Urban Canopy

• Daniel Schoonmaker – Executive Director, Michigan Sustainable Business Forum (MiSBF)

We look forward to having the following organizations joining us and tabling at the event:

• The Urban Canopy

• WasteNot Compost

• Takeout 25

• Illinois Food Scrap and Composting Coalition

We look forward to seeing you at the event!

Please find the event agenda below:

• 9:45am – 10am – Registration, Booths Open

• 10am – 10:10am – Welcome! Overview of PFAS in Food Packaging

• 10:10am – 10:25am – Choosing Safer Foodware: Why, Criteria, Persistent Microplastics – Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI)

• 10:25am – 11:05am – Transitioning to Safer Foodware: Resources and Tools & Case Studies

• 11:05am – 11:15am – PFAS-Free Foodware Work in Michigan – Michigan Sustainable Business Forum

• 11:15am – 11:25am – Questions

• 11:25am – 11:45am – Discussion – Support & Resources to Transition to Safer Food Packaging

• 11:45am – 12pm – Reflections and Closing; Booths Open