Thirty metric tonnes of waste…gone. That’s how much more waste The Forks has already kept out of landfills this year, and we’re just getting started. Over the past year and a half, we’ve phased out most single-use plastics on site and continue to reduce waste across the board. Through these efforts, together we are taking more steps towards making Target Zero a reality.
At The Forks, we aim to implement innovative and responsible environmental practices that are good for the planet and the bottom line. All these practices make up The Forks’ Target Zero goals of zero carbon emissions and zero waste. It sounds ambitious, but we’re already making it happen, step-by-step.
You’ve probably seen some of it already. Maybe you’ve noticed the compost program, felt the cozy warmth from the geothermal heating in The Forks Market, or seen the Zamboni running on recycled vegetable oil. These are just a few ways The Forks is cutting down on waste and doing things more sustainably.
We do these things because of you. Because you asked us to do better for the environment. So, Target Zero is your program just like The Forks is your favourite downtown hangout. Now we’re focusing on something many people use every day: single-use plastics and take-out containers.
Did you know that whether you’re eating inside The Forks Market or on the patio, you’re welcome to eat on our dishware? That means no plastic forks, no flimsy containers, and a lower impact on the Earth. When you’re done eating, just drop everything at one of the sorting stations. Our amazing Eco Team takes care of the rest. They sort all the food waste, recycling, or garbage that comes their way, and send your dishes off to get cleaned at our centralized dishwashing station.
You may have also noticed recently a $1 Takeout Container Fee per person for to-go orders. This small fee helps vendors cover the cost of high-quality compostable containers, which come with a higher price tag than other non-compostable alternatives.
Want to skip the fee? Easy. Simply eat in with dishware provided by the eateries at The Forks or bring your own clean, food-safe reusable container. It’s kind of like remembering your grocery bags or your travel mug. A small habit like this really adds up.
We’re also making sure leftover food doesn’t go to waste. Thanks to our on-site BIOVATOR in-vessel composter, food scraps are turned into nutrient-rich compost that helps our gardens grow. Instead of ending up in a landfill, your leftovers become something useful.
Thanks to you, we’re moving closer to our Target Zero. One dine-in order at a time.
Next time you visit The Forks, here’s how you can help:
- Choose to dine in or bring a reusable container.
- Drop off your tray at a sorting station.
- Remember that every small choice makes a difference.
Wanna learn more about Target Zero? CLICK HERE
Do you want to help The Forks with initiatives like Target Zero, please consider a donation to The Forks Foundation.