ZERO WASTE: Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Repurpose, Reuse, Recycle and Rot

Zero waste is not eliminating all trash, but being more mindful of what and how we consume products, then how we dispose of it. Reducing our purchases and consumption, will preserve resources and limit waste. Waste is either incinerated or landfilled, both associated with air, water and land pollution; and usually located in lower income communities of color. Haverford Township's trash is incinerated in Chester. Philadelphia has a goal of zero waste by 2035; with a final goal of eliminating the use of landfilling! Here are some tips from Philly for businesses. Penn Environment is working on Zero Waste PA. 

The key to transition to zero waste is following the 7R’s in their order: Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Repurpose, Reuse, Recycle and finally Rot. There are plenty of tips online, like 100 tips here or Narberth’s Journey to Zero Waste. Just search zero waste ideas. Need help recycling? Try Earth911.

Definition- the conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse and recovery of all products, packaging, and materials, without burning them, and without discharges to land, water or air that threaten the environment or human health.

1.  Avoid single use plastics- this “convenience plastic” is made from fossil fuels (items include grocery bags, ziplocks, straws, water bottles, cups, plates, utensils, etc.) Get in the habit of requesting no straws or utensils ahead of time when you are ordering.

2.  Avoid any plastic- all plastic is made with fossil fuels, extracting the fuels are polluting our planet and causing climate change (look for alternatives: glass, steel, paper, wood, compostable/biodegradeable, plant based, etc for items and packaging). 

3.  Avoid packaging- buy loose produce, plastic free packaging, bring your own containers, ect.

4.  Buy recycled plastic, paper and cardboard items- recycling is the first step; choose items and/or packaging made from recycled over nonrecycled products.

5.  Borrow, Purchase second hand/gently used, & Donate- reduce carbon footprints of clothes, books, toys and household items.  Search for local Buy Nothing or free groups online

6.  Shop local- avoid the emissions from delivery

7.  Buy in Bulk- reduces unnecessary packaging (ex: snacks, yogurt, cheese, prepackaged fruits/veggies, etc.)

8.  Go paperless- fill your email instead of the recycle bin. Opt out of junk mail here: https://www.ecocycle.org/junkmail or Delaware County’s Stop Junk Mail and Phone Calls.

9.  Cook at home- avoid packaging waste from take out and drive thru’s. Or consider bringing your own containers for indoor dining leftovers or pick up/take out (just ask to have meal on a plate when you arrive)!

10.  Compost food waste- food releases methane in landfills as it decomposes  Expert tip: before composting make veggie broth from scraps; make banana peel tea for plant fertilizer; water plants with unsalted pasta water; rinsed and crushed eggshells give plants calcium; and used coffee grinds give plants nitrogen.

• Buy Nothing Paddock Farms/Merion Manor, Havertown/Ardmore, PA
• Havertown (East) 
• Buy Nothing Havertown (Bailey/Grasslyn/Lynnewood/ Veterans), PA- 
• Buy Nothing Havertown (Hilltop/Richland Farms/Westgate Hills), PA
• Buy Nothing Ardmore & Wynnewood (South Ardmore Park/Arnold Field), PA
• PennWynne
• Buy Nothing Ardmore (Downtown/Normandy Park) Ardmore, PA 
• Bryn Mawr/Gladwyne 

• Delco Helping Hands Spreading Positivity
• Delco moms helping moms 
• Havertown Freecycle
• Free in Delco