Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Recycling
The modern, western world that we find ourselves in is slow to wake up to the destructive impact of our over-reliance on plastics and over-production of waste. However, we all have the ability to reduce our footprints on the Earth, one step at a time. This section is a collection of resources that you may find useful in managing the plastics and single-use items that find their way into your life.
Single-Stream Recycling
Single-stream recycling programs are designed to increase participation in recycling programs by eliminating the need for participants to sort their materials. The downside is an increase in contaminated recyclables due to often unknowing participants.
Connecticut government resources have helped to generate Recycle CT which provides education regarding proper single-stream recycling and more.
Plastic Films
Plastic films are commonplace in products obtained from beyond one’s local environment due to their role in improving transportation efficiency. [read more]
The American Chemistry Council has organized a great resource that can help you learn more about recycling plastic films and find participating drop-off locations near you.
Reducing Plastic Waste
Plastics are a tool utilized by industries to improve the transportation efficiency of consumer goods. Given our global markets, plastics are likely to remain present in the consumer goods industry. However, every step you take towards sourcing products/resources locally can help to reduce your plastic reliance and stimulate local economies. Explore the resources below for education and tools related to reducing plastic waste.
Dr. Shanna Swan is an environmental & reproductive scientist and professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. Her book Count Down details the dramatic influence that modern chemicals have had on the reproductive health of the human species. It highlights the failures of consumer protection agencies within the United States and encourages public awareness and discussion. Learn about the direct links between industrial chemicals (e.g., plastic ‘leeching’ and rising rates of infertility through Dr. Swan’s work.
Kate Nelson fancies herself the plastic free mermaid and is on a mission to advocate for reductions in plastic waste. She has over a decade of experience in being single-use plastic free and offers guidance on how to take steps toward this goal. Tune into her Commune podcast episode, How to be Plastic Free, her Commune course, The Plastic-Free Challenge, and/or her book, I Quit Plastics, for guidance on your journey to reduced plastic waste.
Ethically Sourced, Reusable Products
The following companies are those that we support based on their ethical sourcing and sustainable business practices. If you are aware of others that we should add to the list, please use the form submission at the bottom of this page.
Wild Minimalist is a company based out of California that promotes waste reduction by selling natural and reusable products shipped in plastic-free packaging. They sell a wide range of products; therefore, they are a great place to get started or grow your waste reduction practice.
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References
Stock Photos
Reusable Kitchen Products Photo (header) made by alleksana from Pexels
Recycling Photo made by Anete Lusina from Pexels