Biodegradable Night with Eco Sayulita

Eco Sayulita is making an impact in our Sayulita community by hosting a monthly Biodegradable Night. On these nights, Eco Sayulita, along with volunteers, visit local street food vendors and encourage them to give up their styrofoam containers in exchange for paper ones.  “It just doesn't make sense to eat or drink out of styrofoam anymore.  Even if you don't mind your food coming into contact with such a toxic material, think of all of the poor birds, fish, and other animals who will come into contact with it over the next thousand years,” shared Eric Steinman, a member of Eco Sayulita.

Tuesday, April 21^st was the second Biodegradable Night and both nights were met with much success, particularly since Eco Sayulita is making it so easy for vendors to make the switch. Not only are they providing education, to start, they are also swapping styrofoam products for paper ones, free of charge. In the future, vendors can purchase paper products at several stores in town, which cost only slightly more than the styrofoam ones. An added bonus of using paper products is that they take up less storage space than styrofoam.

When Jesus Garcia from El Pollo Surfo, which is located alongside the river on Pelicanos, was asked why he was making the switch from styrofoam to paper, he simply stated, “I understand that styrofoam is bad for the planet and I want to improve Sayulita. I’ve been here for four years and I want to support Sayulita in becoming a better community.” Juan Antonio Jauregui from Roticeria Le Pechuga on Revolucion shared similar sentiments and said, “It’s a good idea. I want to help the environment.”

Other local vendors who have made the switch include Hot Dogs Kiosko in front of Kiosko, Ricos Tacos Ricki's on Calle Jose Mariscal, Taqueria El Tá Corriendo on Calle Jose Mariscal, El Chino on Punta de Mita Highway, Yolanda's Chicken on Calle Jose Mariscal, and Chilly Willy's on Ninos Heroes.

There are also things that both locals and tourists can do to help in this endeavor. “Question all of the food vendors and restaurants that you go to. If you want something to go, ask what type of container they use. If they use styrofoam, ask for it to be put on a napkin instead, or whenever possible, bring your own container,” suggests Eric.

“We want Sayulita to be a leader in the area on how to have a green community, and this is just one of the ways in which to achieve this,” said Lina Weissman, another member of Eco Sayuilta.

Volunteers are needed to help with this monthly endeavor. If you would like to help with the next Biodegradable Night, contact Eco Sayulita.