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Innovation success: Reusable containers save thousands

  • Published
  • By 412th Test Wing Innovation Team

At the Joshua Tree Dining Facility, Styrofoam containers have been the container of choice for grabbing a meal on the go.

Recently, the cost for these containers was set to increase from $8,000 per month to $24,000 per month as a result of an increase in price and usage. In the long run, these costs would be unsustainable and usage of these containers would need to be restricted.

After hearing complaints regarding this restriction, David Behrendt, 412th Force Support Squadron, was encouraged by leadership to find a solution.

With the help of Master Sgt. Krisryan Borsil, Ray McMillan, and Courey Cobb, they were able to implement a reusable to-go container system at the dining facility, which has been in effect since last October.

Not only does this system reduce cost to below $3,000 a month, but it also reduces the environmental impact associated with Styrofoam containers. Other benefits of these reusable containers include being durable, holding food temperature longer and being microwave and dishwasher safe.

As a result of this innovative success story, Behrendt won 412th Test Wing Innovator of the Quarter for the third quarter of 2018.