About Us
Together, we’re making plastic takeout a thing of the past.
Our Mission:
We empower communities to make sustainable takeout simple with a complete reuse solution
What Drives Us:
The Plastic Problem
Plastic is toxic for our planet and our bodies, and recycling isn’t the answer. Did you know…?
One-to-two million tons of plastic enters the oceans each year, creating devastating effects on marine wildlife.
All types of plastic (including all plastic takeout containers) shed microplastics into the food we eat, leading to widely documented health impacts.
Less than 6% of plastic is recycled in the US, and most recycled plastic ends up in landfills or incineration after just one or two recycling cycles.
Why Reusables
There are no single-use takeout container options that offer truly planet-positive solutions, including those made of biodegradable and compostable materials.
Reusables – specifically plastic-free reusables – are durable and can often be reused indefinitely. These materials are food-safe and, with prolonged use, have minimal impact on the environment.
The USEFULL Difference
USEFULL stands alone in delivering a complete, campus-ready reusable takeout solution with three key advantages:
01.
Unmatched, integrated, full-service technology
02.
Affordable, stainless steel containers in a variety of shapes and sizes
03.
Hands-on support for a smooth launch and ongoing success
Our proven program is the only 100% plastic-free option on the market, prioritizing both environmental impact and human health as awareness of the risks of eating from plastic containers grows. With USEFULL, making swift and significant progress toward your sustainability goals is simple and effective.
Our Impact
USEFULL was founded on the belief that sustainability must be seamless.
We strive to make reusable takeout accessible and convenient for any community that wants to be part of the reuse movement. With presence on campuses across North America and a 99% reusable container return rate, we’ve empowered communities to:
Avoid Single-Use Takeout Containers
Enough to line up end-to-end for 100 miles
Eliminate Trash
As much as covering an entire football field over a foot deep
Save Water
Enough to fill more than three Olympic-sized swimming pools
Reduce Emissions
Equal to taking 22,000 gas-fueled cars off the road for a month
Our Leadership Team
Alison Cove
Founder & CEO
Alison founded USEFULL in 2018 and has been steadily leading our impressive, mission-driven growth journey ever since, proudly bringing USEFULL’s innovative reuse program to college campuses across North America. Prior to founding USEFULL, Alison spent many years driving transformation and strategy development for both public and private sectors as a senior management consultant. She also has contributed to several sustainability initiatives throughout the years, including as a fellow at the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and leading various conservation projects. An experienced sailor and lifelong environmentalist, Alison spends as much time outdoors as possible.
Rob Kutner
Chief Revenue Officer
Rob leads growth and customer success initiatives at USEFULL, including our stellar business development and account management teams. He loves nothing more than helping community ecosystems evolve with sustainable, practical solutions to their real-world challenges. Rob brings years of experience in the technology and sustainability spaces, leading strategic sales, marketing, and partnerships functions at companies such as sustainable waste management and recycling leader Bigbelly. When he’s not talking about reuse, Rob enjoys travelling and spending time with his family.
MJ Eldridge
Head of Operations & Product Management
MJ leads product development and operations at USEFULL, including the development and sourcing of our exclusive, plastic-free containers. MJ has a passion for bringing products and programs to life, while also leading our on-campus implementation teams to deliver successful USEFULL launches time and time again. A lifelong innovator, she has held various consumer goods product development and supply chain leadership roles spanning from personal care products to electronics, including home wellness durables leaders HoMedics and Sharper Image. In her spare time, MJ likes to travel and spend time with family and friends, while working on her side hustle in comedy.
