Ditch Disposables.
Switch to Reusables.
Vancouver Island first’s reusable program.
Reusable cups and containers on Vancouver and the Gulf Islands.
Nūlla means nothing in latin! Be part of the solution, not the problem!
Together, let’s create a zero-waste future – now!
How it Works:
Step 1
Visit a partner location and ask for your Nūlla cup or container. Pay a $5 refundable deposit fee.
Step 2
Enjoy your drink or meal to go or to stay! Feel good about not producing waste.
Step 3
Reuse your Nūlla cup or container, get a freshly cleaned one at any partner location or return it to get a refund.
How to become a partner:
Partnering with us is easy: simply integrate our reusable system into your operations and educate staff and customers on how it works. Reach out to discuss logistics, branding opportunities, and how reusables can benefit your business and the planet!
About Us
In 2019, Caroline and Nancy co-founded The Nulla Project as a circular economy option to eliminate waste from the to-go culture on Vancouver Island.
The problem they solve is wanting to go for a run or a walk without carrying their reusable cups (or leaving for work and forgetting); what about renting one for an hour or two?
The network is an important part of what we do; we have partners across Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, making it easy for customers to pick up and drop off their reusable items everywhere.
Reuse programs are on the rise worldwide – we hope you will join us!
FAQs
WHO DO YOU PARTNER WITH?
Soon we’ll have an interactive map for customers to use. Nulla
For now, please browse our social media or message us.
We work with cafes, restaurants, and schools everywhere around Victoria and the islands.
WHERE CAN I RETURN MY CUP or CONTAINER?
Cups and containers can be returned to any participating Nūlla Project partners in exchange for a clean cup or container, or your $5 deposit. Find the map here.
CAN I KEEP MY CUP or CONTAINER?
Yes, you can keep your cup and container but we also encourage all customers to keep them in circulation. They are durable and will last for over 300 uses each.
WERE YOU FEATURED IN THE NEWS?
We are grateful for so many interviews and articles about our small local business. Google “The Nulla Project” to find us!
How do reusable programs work after the pandemic?
The BC Centre for Disease Control (BC CDC) has indicated to businesses years ago now that they may resume normal activities such as refilling reusable coffee mugs and water bottles, allowing reusable containers for takeaway and the use of reusable grocery bags. As long as the establishments are implementing safe cleaning and sanitizing schedules there is very little chance of virus contamination. Reusable cups are a great way to participate in the circular economy, reducing your carbon footprint and helping eliminate single-use items and plastics.
WHAT ARE THE CUPS and Containers MADE OF?
They are made of reusable and recyclable polypropylene. Our cups are double-all insulated to protect your fingers from heat, Our containers are made from > 50% recycled plastic. They are both BPA free and dishwasher safe.
ARE DAMAGED OR INCOMPLETE CUPS and Containers REFUNDABLE?
Damaged or incomplete cups and containers will not be eligible for a refund. You can contact us directly at info@thenullaproject.ca to return your damaged or incomplete cups or containers. We will ensure they are repurposed or recycled at the end of life.
WHERE DO THEY COME FROM?
Despite our very best efforts, we were unable to source a local manufacturer at this time, but we are working on it. Our cups and containers are manufactured in North America in a unionized factory, which is the top tier of ethical sourcing. Our cups were sourced by a Vancouver B Corporation company.
WHat if I experience financial difficulty?
We understand that life brings uncertainty. If you want to get a Nūlla cup or container for free, please email us, and we will discuss options together.
Do you partner with events and festivals?
We do! Having reusable glasses at your event/wedding/community gathering looks good on you and the planet! Email our team and let’s talk!
WHY ARE NULLA CUPS AND CONTAINERS THE BEST OPTION?
Nūlla cups and containers are reusable, durable and easily recyclable at the end of their life. They can be reused 300-400 times on average which is much better than disposable items. Single-use cups and containers are often not recycled or composted properly (lots of greenwashing!) and have an average lifespan of 13 minutes!
In addition, biodegradable and compostable plastic food ware is designed to be single-use and consumes significant resources and energy in production, just as conventional single-use plastic and paper does. Even if labelled as certified, these biodegradable and compostable plastic materials do not decompose as designed in our regional compost facilities. Most compostable plastics are screened out at regional composting facilities.
With the Nūlla cup and container program, you can feel great about reducing waste without having to worry about remembering to bring your travel items or even cleaning them.
Nūlla is located on the unceded sacred and traditional lands of the Xwsepsum and Lekwungen ancestors and families. We give gratitude to them for their past, present and future care of this planet.
BECOME A PARTNER:
Fill the form below to register your interest.