The Bear Minimum

"The Bear Minimum" is a business strategy aimed at reducing the use of disposable items and promoting reusable or compostable alternatives. The strategy includes implementing straw-free restaurants, introducing a cup levy for recyclable and compostable to-go cups, eliminating the use of polystyrene in restaurants by the end of next summer, and implementing a take-out container levy on customers, with the requirement that remaining containers must be compostable or recyclable. The initiative is part of the larger effort by Banff Against Plastics to create a plastic-free environment and reduce plastic pollution. Additionally, the organization also operates a sustainable living retail store in Canmore, Alberta, offering eco-friendly products and organizing community workshops on living a zero waste life.