A&W has 3 franchised restaurants and 1 mall outlet in Lethbridge. On October 16, 2023, A&W implemented one of their key environmental sustainability objectives – “the One-Cup Initiative”. Customers can purchase a reusable polypropylene cup for $3.00, which upon presentation at their subsequent visits will be exchanged for another washed and sanitized tumbler. A $0.20 discount will be applied to the cost of their next hot or cold beverage (regardless of the size) at all subsequent visits.
On World Environment Day this year, A&W offered one free cup per customer. If every customer utilizes this purchase/exchange option at subsequent visits, A&W envisions the impact on landfills receiving less single use beverage containers will be significant. The steadfast commitment to this process will have the maximum impact on achieving A&W’s objective.
RESULTS since Initiative launched:
- Number of recyclable cups sold – 819
- Number of recyclable cups given out on World Environment Day – 576
- Monthly use of single use paper containers:
- June 2023 – 34,885
- June 2024 – 32,669
- November 2024 – 32,652
Their “One-Cup Initiative” has provisions for other reusable cup incentives, awareness campaigns, recycling partnerships, expansion and feedback mechanisms.
Customers taking advantage of this A&W recycling program and other retailers (should they choose to follow suit) can make this one more significant achievement towards landfill longevity and environmental sustainability here and elsewhere.
Written by Rod Schultz
