Chelsea Zero Waste Coalition: more than recycling

By Chelsea Zero Waste Coalition member Stephanie Doll

I say zero waste. You say ___________?

Recycle? Good answer. But let’s chat about even better strategies: Reduce and Reuse.

Reduce

To reduce waste is the most effective path toward zero waste. Consider the environmental costs of making anything new: raw materials, energy, transportation. And every single thing will ultimately–whether tomorrow or years from now–be discarded to a landfill.

Let’s say you’re online ready to push the “complete purchase” button. Take a pause and ask yourself these questions:

• Do I need or just want another pillow?
• Do I really truly need this red sweater? I have two others.
• Did I need it yesterday?;I cooked rice in the rice cooker and stew in the crockpot. I’ll wait 30 days and see if that instant pot is still calling my name.
• Will the friend that recommended this book let me borrow it?
• Can I rent a power washer instead of buying one?
• Will I actually maintain that rototiller?
• Can I buy a gently used dress for the occasion?

Another reduction strategy is to refuse things you really don’t need. Refuse the free tote bag from the non-profit thanking you for your donation. Don’t take the free pom-pom they try to give you outside the sports arena. Don’t encourage bad behavior–just say “no thank you”. If enough people refuse–and better yet, tell the organization why–hopefully they’ll get the hint that it’s a waste of their money–and waste plain and simple.

Do you receive a ton of junk mail? You can refuse that, too. Find the organization’s contact on their website and send a brief “stop postal mail” email to each. Over the holidays, I found that a mere hour spent doing this for 30 organizations resulted in a 65% response rate–20 fewer organizations will be stuffing my mailbox. Check out this link for more ways to stop junk mail.

Reuse

Reuse is another strategy toward zero waste goals, both when you’re acquiring and disposing.

• Online resale options are plentiful – Facebook groups (for example Buy or Sell Chelsea, Dexter, Ann Arbor, Stockbridge, Grass Lake, Dexter) or Craigslist. Alternatively, use a consignment store. Though blessed with local options for clothing resale in Chelsea (The Find and Moran’s Consignment), you’ll have to visit neighboring communities for non-clothing stores, such as Westside Furniture Consignment Gallery or Treasure Mart. Bring used books to Serendipity Books for store credit (or donate to the Chelsea District Library’s book sale) to know your books will be read again.
• Donate to a favorite organization or charity. Locally (Faith in Action, Goodwill) or nearby (Kiwanis, Salvation Army) are some suggestions for clothing and household items. Certain organizations specialized such as HabitatStore for construction materials (Ann Arbor store and Jackson store). They say one person’s junk is another one’s treasure, but sometimes it’s just junk! So remember: All donations should be in good repair, clean and saleable.
• Just want someone to appreciate your stuff? Give it away. There are Chelsea and Ann Arbor Buy It for Nothing groups on Facebook, a free section on Craigslist and org has a good number of posts for Ann Arbor, a few for Chelsea.
• What if it needs Repair, Rebuilding, Refurbishing or Refinishing? If you are not willing and/or able to make that investment, there are people who would. Offer for sale “as is” or check the “wanted” section on Craigslist where people are always looking for old camera equipment, boat motors, snowmobiles and much more.

And don’t forget Upcycling. Fun and rewarding, your old sweater can become mittens, canning jars can become pendant lights, a dresser can become a bathroom vanity, and a vintage suitcase can become a dog bed–the list is endless.

The Chelsea Zero Waste Coalition challenges you to reduce and reuse everything that you can in your life. And remember–it’s about progress not perfection. So, don’t be afraid to give it a try.

Stephanie Doll joined the Chelsea Zero Waste Coalition to learn new strategies to reduce her impact on the environment. She and her husband grow and raise much of their own food, which reduces the packaging and transport costs embedded in groceries. She enjoys sewing and challenges herself to upcycle fabric. And buying “stuff” is something they endeavor not to do.