Good Café – a celiac safe restaurant – has joined a network of cafes in Central Ohio where customers can get their takeout drinks in stainless steel reusable cups. The borrow-based reusable cup program is an initiative of the Central Ohio Reuse Coalition (CORC), which includes coalition partners Green Bexley and the Worthington Partnership’s Green Team.  Okapi Reusables out of Portland OR supplies the cups, the mobile application, and the technology platform that tracks borrows and returns.

The network of shops allows a customer to purchase their takeout coffee or tea in one participating location and return the cup in another café in the network. There are currently seven cafes in the network (see attached map).  The reusable cup network marks a pivotal step in shifting consumer habits towards environmentally friendly alternatives. The initiative provides an easy, convenient, and sustainable option for customers who want to enjoy their coffee without contributing to plastic waste.

Good Café is located at 4400 Easton Commons (Suite 150), and offers a variety of drinks, home-baked goods, and gluten-free dining options. Funds to cover the program’s costs for Good Café are made possible through a generous grant from the City of Columbus, sponsored by Councilman Christopher Wyche, chair of Columbus City Council’s Public Utilities and Sustainability committee.

How the Program Works:

1. Download the Okapi app (just $10 to join).
2. Borrow up to two cups at a participating café by tapping BORROW on the app and scanning the QR borrow code at the counter as you order.
3. Enjoy, then return! Return your cup to the café within two weeks, using the app to scan the QR return code at the dirty cup bin. The lost cup fee is $15.

The program reflects a growing movement towards circularity in the food and beverage industry. CORC estimates that in Columbus about 500,000 disposable cups enter the waste stream every day. The reusable cup pilot is designed to test the demand and logistics of a more sustainable coffee service, while demonstrating how the community can reduce waste and validate the win-win nature of a circular economy approach.

About CORC
The Central Ohio Reuse Coalition is made up of nonprofits, local sustainability groups, green businesses, faith-based organizations and committed individuals who live and work in Central Ohio. CORC is also a chapter of the Austin-based Plastic Reduction Project.

CORC envisions a robust circular economy for Central Ohio where the reuse of food and drink containers in businesses and schools supported by local jobs is accepted as the standard.

Contact: corc@plasticreductionproject.org
Douglas Calem: 614/208-3803 | Dan Barash: 614/208-8696

About Good Café  
Good Cafe is a family endeavor, managed by owner Michelle Bolden and her son. A family bond and shared vision are the heart of their café; Michelle’s sister's vegan lifestyle and her own extensive research into healthy eating ensures that the menu caters to various dietary needs, offering vibrant and delicious options for everyone.

Good Café’s mission is to inspire and nourish the community with wholesome, delicious, and innovative cuisine that is entirely gluten and dairy-free. The café is committed to using the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients to craft meals that cater to all dietary needs without compromising on flavor or quality. Through their dedication to sustainability and wellness, Good Café strives to make every meal a step towards a healthier, happier world.  Contact: michelle@goodcafeeaston.com