Category: News

Since 1950, our world has created 6.3-billion metric tons of plastic waste. Sadly, only 9 percent has been recycled, with 12 percent incinerated.

That leaves 5 billion metric tons of plastic waste in landfills or languishing in nature. By 2050, there may be more plastic in the ocean than there are fish.

At Café Carmel, we try to do our part to reverse this trend. It is our duty not only as citizens of the world but as a family-run business so near our pristine National Marine Sanctuary.

When it comes to single-use plastic, we follow the guidelines mandated by Carmel-by-the-Sea. The village requires restaurants and food vendors to provide to customers biodegradable/compostable, or recyclable products, including:

• All single-use beverage straws and stir sticks must be certified compostable
• All cups and lids must be certified compostable
• All disposable to-go utensils must be certified compostable
• No number 6 polystyrene products are allowed, including hot cup lids

Plastic straws, in particular, present an environmental nightmare. Small, light, and non-biodegradable, straws can easily be swept into the ocean and broken down into microplastic particles. They can also be consumed by fish, seabirds, and marine mammals, causing them harm and — in the case of fish — entering the food chain for humans.

At Café Carmel, we initially used paper straws, which turned from sturdy to soggy very quickly, especially when used with our smoothies and milkshakes.

Then we looked into a business that makes straws from agave. The Sustainable Agave Company strives to eliminate two problems: agave waste and single-use plastics. They upcycle agave waste (following fermentation of tequila) as the primary ingredient to create environmentally safe, biodegradable agave products. No plants are destroyed in creating these straws, unlike most paper products. The company reuses as much of its residual plant material as possible, diverting waste from polluting the rural landscape.

Beginning with straws, the company now has a portfolio of agave fiber products for the foodservice and retail industries.

Our customers remain overwhelmingly positive to the change. The biodegradable agave straws are sturdy and hold up to any beverage, yet they are slightly textured and have a brownish hue.

At Café Carmel, our straws may look “dirty,” but they are clean in more ways than one. They meet our goals with regard to a clean restaurant but also to a clean planet.

We are proud participants in the circular economy, and can’t thank our customers enough for their support of our efforts.

Did you know that clam chowder has been around since the late 1700s and not only is there the classic New England clam chowder, but Manhattan, Rhode Island, and Long Island clam chowder There’s also a day that celebrates clam chowder, Friday, February 25.

Café Carmel celebrates the deliciously creamy soup
Friday, Feb. 25, by offering housemade clam chowder in honor of National Clam Chowder Day. Come by Café Carmel on Ocean Avenue in the heart of downtown Carmel on Feb. 25 and help us celebrate Clam Chowder Day by indulging in a bowl with us! Also, see what other delectable items we have to offer by going to cafecarmel.com.

Pair it with Salad or Sandwich!

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