Bozeman’s Big Plastic Ban: What It Means for Local Businesses
Treeline Coffee Roasters, run by founder Natalie Van Dusen since 2013, is already ahead of the game. Natalie explained, “We use tens of thousands of cups a year, and that’s a lot of waste. From the start, we’ve tried to reduce it.”
At Treeline, if you’re staying to drink your coffee, you’ll get a ceramic cup or even a mason jar. And if you bring your own cup? Free drip coffee on Tuesdays! For to-go orders, all their products—cups, straws, silverware—are compostable.
So, will the ban change anything for Treeline? “Not really,” Natalie says. “We’re already using compostable products.”
The plastic ban came about because of concerns over microplastics and nanoplastics, which are everywhere—in water, wind, and even the air we breathe. A nonprofit called the Cottonwood Environmental Law Center worked hard to get the ban on the ballot, and it passed this year.
John Meyer from Cottonwood says this is the first time a city has voted to ban plastic like this. While the law won’t ban all plastic, businesses can no longer give out plastic bags or styrofoam containers. Plastic straws? You’ll have to ask for one—they won’t be handed out automatically.
Meghan Wolff, also from Cottonwood, says the goal is to get people to stop taking and tossing plastic without thinking. “We didn’t always have straws. We’ll survive without them,” she says.
Natalie agrees that switching products can be tough but adds, “It’s worth it. There are great options for compostable goods out there.”
As the ban takes effect in 2025, Bozeman is taking its first step toward a greener future.
If you're looking for an eco-friendly alternative for your business, consider switching to sugarcane bagasse cups. Made from renewable materials, these cups are fully compostable, sturdy, and perfect for both hot and cold beverages. They’re a sustainable choice that helps reduce plastic waste while maintaining the convenience customers expect. Join the movement toward a greener future with bagasse products!
