Challenge Toolkit: Reduce Waste
Below are some inspiration and ideas to help you complete the Community in Action: Reduce Waste challenge:
INSPIRATION: Why Reduce Waste?
Straws, cling wrap, plastic trinkets, oh my! The next time you feel overwhelmed by the amount of plastic and packaging you bring home, commit to making a change in your routine that will have a positive effect on the planet—and inspire your family, friends, and neighbors to do the same!
A Bellyful of Plastic: Chris Jordan Photographs Pacific Birds
Chris Jordan: Paparazzi of Garbage
Lessons from a Waste-Obsessed Traveler
Governments Promote Planned Obsolescence, Too
It’s Time to Renounce Our Throwaway Ethic
"Fast Fashion" Isn't Just Trendy and Glamorous: It Has Consequences
IDEAS: Things YOU Can Do to Reduce Waste
Here are some ideas for things you can do to reduce waste, in the three areas of our challenge:
INDIVIDUAL Challenge: Cross Off One Plastic Item from Your Shopping List
Choose one plastic item you regularly buy or use (straws, to-go containers, plastic grocery bags, etc.) and commit to replacing it with an earth-friendly alternative.
Ask Yourself These 4 Questions Before Buying a Product
Make Your Own Cleaning Products
Don't Just Trash That Old Gadget
Make Waste-Free School Lunches
Save a Tree When You're on the Move
Go Zero Waste!
Buy Nothing New:
- A Year of Buying Nothing New
- My Year of Buying Nothing New: 4-Month Update
- My Attempt to 'Buy Nothing New' This October
- "Buying Nothing New" Isn't About Shopping, It's About Facing Our Deepest Values
- 5 Reasons to Celebrate Buy Nothing Day
GROUP Challenge: Host a Low-Waste or Zero-Waste Celebration
Plan a party with friends, family, or neighbors that does right by the environment. Organize an event that is low—or, if you’re up for it, no—waste. You’ll show that there’s nothing “disposable” about celebrating with people you care about!
Take the No-Plastic Holiday Challenge
Have a Bottled Water-Free Holiday
Skip the Goody Bags and Embrace Creativity Instead
Treat Yourself to a Less Wasteful, More Meaningful Halloween
Have a More Fun, Less Stuff Easter
Create a Zero Waste Easter Basket
Have an Environmentally Friendly Passover
Think About Water This Ramadan
Plan a Meaningful but Low-Impact Wedding
EXTRA Challenge: Start an Initiative to Reduce Waste in Your Community
Want to reduce waste on a larger scale and start a community-wide effort? Whether you want to free your community from plastic grocery bags, bottled water, or other waste, host a meeting to get your team together and start mapping your action plan.
Rally Your Community to Stem Plastic Pollution
Start a Plastic-Free Challenge at Your Church
Create an Art Project to Raise Awareness of Plastic Waste:
- Oregon Artists Transform Ocean Debris Into Knowledge
- Artist Critiques Social Norms and Our Consumer Culture
Say "No" to Bottled Water:
- WEBINAR: Kicking the Bottled Water Habit
- VIDEO: San Francisco Says No to Bottled Water
- Kicking the Bottled Water Habit: How I Started My Own Water Bottle Company
Bag the Plastic Bag: