Let's Shedd Plastic Restaurant Program
At Shedd Aquarium, we believe healthier communities start with healthier waterways. Through Let’s Shedd Plastic, we partner with restaurants across Chicagoland to reduce single-use plastics, support sustainable practices and inspire change that protects our shared blue planet.
Are you, or your business, interested in joining? Learn more and fill out an inquiry form to become Shedd’s newest restaurant partner!
Only about 9% of plastic is recycled, and many single-use items — like straws, cups, bags and takeout containers — can’t be recycled at all. Too often, they end up in our rivers, lakes and ocean where they threaten aquatic life and pollute our environment. By working with restaurants, we can reduce waste at the source and lead a shift toward more sustainable dining.
Why Join?
Restaurants that join Let’s Shedd Plastic become part of a growing network of Chicagoland businesses committed to:
- Protecting waterways by keeping plastics out of Lake Michigan and beyond
- Reducing waste through reusables, recycling and smarter sourcing
- Engaging staff and customers in sustainable practices that build community pride
- Leading by example in Chicago’s dining community
This program is designed to meet restaurants where they are — whether just starting to make changes or already leading the way. Our tiered system offers flexibility, clear goals and recognition that grows with your efforts.
Join Us
Together, we can reduce plastic pollution, protect aquatic life and create a more sustainable future for dining in Chicago!
Let's Shedd Plastic Partner Tiers
Core Commitments
Requirements
- Use reusables for all dine-in service
- Provide single-use items only by request (utensils, napkins, straws, condiment packets)
- Participate in onboarding/intro meeting with Shedd Aquarium staff
- Annual recommitment to the program
Benefits
- Recognition on Shedd’s website
- LSP window decal
- Access to educational resources
- Dedicated program support from Shedd staff
- Invitations to partner learning & community events
Tier 1
Requirements
- Use reusables for all dine-in service
- Offer all single-use items by request only
- Recycle where possible, all cardboard deliveries
- Staff complete Shedd-provided sustainability training
- Submit basic metrics once a year, including:
- Average number of weekly/monthly customers
- Plastic or disposable item usage/order data
Benefits
- All Core Benefits
- Group social media highlight (e.g., during Plastic Free July)
- Potential access to sustainable product samples, discounts, or group purchasing
- Access to digital marketing assets
- Shedd ticket package
Tier 2
Requirements
- Replace disposables with certified compostables when reusables aren't feasible
- Offer discount to customers who bring their own reusable containers
- Implement composting (if available)
- Follow all standard recycling procedures
- Submit additional reporting:
- Approx. quantities of disposables/compostables ordered monthly & prices
Benefits
- All Tier 1 Benefits
- Invitation for staff volunteer opportunity (woodland restoration, beach cleanup)
- Invitation to participate in policy advocacy and action alerts
- Restaurant name featured in annual Shedd press release
- Extended Shedd ticket package
Tier 3
Requirements
- Reusables across all service types, including events/catering
- Complete a third-party waste audit
- Establish a plan or track progress toward near-zero waste operations
- Submit more data:
- Waste audit results or diversion rate (if available)
- Reusables/compostables purchasing metrics
- Potential to co-author a case study demonstrating sustainable choices, prices, and impact over time
Benefits
- All Tier 2 Benefits
- Custom, behind-the-scenes Shedd Aquarium tour for staff
- Group Kayak for Conservation outing
- Co-host a community event or workshop with Shedd
- Extended Shedd ticket package