What if Cineplex used reusable popcorn containers and cups for their movie guests?

It is no secret that movie theatres make a lot of waste. The majority of that waste comes from consumables; single use items such as bags for popcorn, cups, lids, straws, plastic bottles and other plastic and cardboard materials. For large theatres with popular showings, customers can generate 3-4 large garbage bags of waste per show time.

According to Cineplex's website, they welcome over 70 million guests per year to the theatre. Conservatively, if each guest generated 1.5 pounds of waste per year through multiple visits, Cineplex would be contributing 105 million pounds of just food packaging waste in one year. 

Would there be logistical challenges? You bet. 

"What if a customer takes the reusable popcorn bin home?" - A genuine concern. How often to people take plates/cups out of restaurants? Could Cineplex sell these containers as well, just as they sell promotional cups?

"What if a customer does not finish all of their drink/popcorn and wants to take it home?" - Offering customers fully biodegradable containers to take home leftovers could be an option.

Would introducing reusable containers at the theatre generate a large cost for Cineplex? Yes, upfront. However, in the age of eco-conscious consumers, Cineplex has the opportunity to show they are committed to being an industry leader. Cineplex has the opportunity to win over customers through eco-conscious business practices.

Add your name to this petition to show Cineplex that customers are interested in less pointless food packaging waste at the movies.