We, the undersigned members of Community Action for a Sustainable Alameda (CASA) and supporters of OKAPI Reusables (OKAPI), come together to invite the cafes and boba cafes in our beloved island city to make a significant positive impact on the environment by switching from disposable single-use cups to reusable cups to-go option, like OKAPI. We would like to see the cafes and boba cafes embrace reusables for dine-in, accept customers bringing their own cup (BYOC), and accept BYOC for refills.

CASA’s mission is rooted in our commitment to supporting a sustainable future for the City of Alameda. We are dedicated to moving towards a zero-waste community. Our island is precious, and our collective responsibility is to protect its natural beauty, minimize our ecological footprint, and protect the Bay from litter and waste.

OKAPI, a pioneering company with a community-centered, waste reduction mission, provides a sustainable, easy solution for cafes and restaurants offering beverages to-go. Their innovative program provides customers with a reusable cup option when they use the OKAPI app. By joining hands with OKAPI, we can take an essential step toward a more sustainable Alameda.

We encourage cafes and boba cafes in our community to embrace this transformative initiative for the following compelling reasons:

• Environmental Preservation: The production and disposal of single-use cups generate massive waste that often pollutes our oceans, waterways, and the environment. By switching to reusable cups, cafes and boba cafes can significantly reduce their contribution to this environmental degradation.

• Plastic Pollution Reduction: Single-use plastic cups are one of the most prevalent litter and ocean debris items. By transitioning to reusable cups, cafes and boba cafes can be crucial in reducing plastic pollution and protecting the diverse wildlife that calls our island home.

• Community Leadership: As responsible stewards of our community, cafes and boba cafes can set a positive example and inspire other businesses, residents, and young people to embrace sustainability and waste reduction practices.

• Cost Savings: Implementing reusable cups can lead to long-term cost savings for boba cafes, as they can reduce the expenses associated with purchasing disposable cups, and reducing trash volume/hauling = more savings.

• Customer Appreciation: Consumers are becoming increasingly environmentally conscious.

By offering drinks in reusable cups through the OKAPI app, cafes and boba cafes can attract and retain customers who value sustainability and actively support businesses with eco-friendly practices. By signing this petition, we, the residents of Alameda, express our firm belief that adopting reusable cups is a step in the right direction toward creating a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable future for our community.

We urge the esteemed cafes and boba cafes in Alameda to join the sustainable movement and align with the principles of CASA and OKAPI. Embracing reusable cups will demonstrate their commitment to environmental preservation and empower our community to take meaningful action toward reducing waste and the negative impact of litter on our environment.

As responsible citizens and businesses, let us unite to transform Alameda into a shining example of sustainable living.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for considering our petition.