The town of Hilo is taking a significant step towards reducing plastic waste by introducing a new program that phases out disposable takeout containers. The program, called Ho’i, aims to replace single-use plastic containers with washable, reusable ones.

How it Works

The Ho’i program allows customers to check out reusable containers like library books, with no cost unless they fail to return them. This initiative is a result of a public-private coalition that includes the county, the University of Hawai’i Sea Grant, and a German company called Vytal.

The program has received over $3.7 million in seed funding and will launch later this year. Participating businesses will offer customers the option to use the reusable containers, which will be washed and sanitized at a central location.

Benefits and Challenges

The Ho’i program aims to reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and oceans. According to experts, the program may prove to be a model for other parts of the county and the state. However, some businesses have expressed concerns about the added costs of using reusable containers.

Despite the challenges, many businesses have already signed up to participate in the program. The county council has also passed a bill that bans single-use plastic serviceware, which will go into effect later this year.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.