Category: Reduce Reuse

Proper Medicine Disposal

Posted on by Oliver Crawford-Shelmadine

Why Proper Medicine Disposal Matters & How to Do It Responsibly 

You may have grown up thinking that flushing old, expired, or unwanted medicine down the toilet or sink was an acceptable way to dispose of it. Maybe you saw it on TV or watched a family member do it. But why did this become such a common habit?  Is flushing really the easiest or safest option? Let’s take a closer look. 

For many years, there were no clear guidelines for how to properly dispose of unwanted medicine and drugs. Most people relied on three methods of disposal: throwing it in the trash, flushing it, or pouring it down the sink. Now, after decades of research, we know that these methods are not only outdated but are harmful to human health, wildlife, and the environment. 

Drugs can get into the environment several ways. When flushed they pass through the sewage system and enter wastewater treatment facilities (USGS)(EPA). However, wastewater treatment facilities are not built to remove compounds in medicine. As a result, these substances will end up in rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water that may eventually become sources of drinking water. Medicine flushed through septic systems can also seep into groundwater.  

Throwing medicine in your landfill bin poses similar risks. Once in a landfill, the medicine can dissolve and trickle into the leachate (toxic liquid formed by waste in landfills). This leachate also ends up processed through wastewater treatment facilities and may end up in bodies of water. 

Medicine can harm aquatic species and wildlife when they ingest or swim in contaminated water. This can disrupt growth, reproduction, behavior, and organ function in animals.  

In 2000, the United States Geological Survey detected pharmaceuticals in water bodies across the country (USGS). This raised national concern about improper disposal of medicine and its impact on water quality, the environment, and human health. Seven years later, the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) worked with the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) and released the first official consumer guidelines for proper medicine disposal, expressing concerns about harm to the environment and human health. California took this further in 2021 by implementing SB 212, the state’s first stewardship program requiring manufacturers, distributors, and importers of pharmaceuticals to fund and operate take-back programs for safe disposal of medications and sharps.  

From that point on, the proper disposal methods for medicine and drugs were to use take-back and mail-back programs. Trashing and flushing are now discouraged and considered a last resort disposal option, but only if take-back programs are unavailable. In fact, if the take-back and mail-back options are unavailable, the FDA has a Flush List for certain medicines which allowed to be flushed down the toilet. This is due to the fact that these medicines are often misused, abused, and can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening if ingested by children, adults, or pets. 

If you live in the RethinkWaste service area, you have several convenient and safe disposal options for unwanted or expired medications: 

    • Drop off accepted non-controlled medications safely and responsibly.
    • San Mateo County hosts many secure kiosks where you can drop off medications for proper disposal.
    • If you prefer a convenient at-home option, mail-back supplies are available to send medications safely through the postal system.

Proper medicine disposal may seem like a small step, but it has a big impact. By choosing take-back or mail-back programs, you help keep harmful chemical compounds out of our waterways, protect wildlife, and reduce potential risks to human health. It’s a simple action that supports a cleaner, healthier community. Consider gathering any unused or expired medications in your home and take advantage of one of the many disposal options available to you. When we each do our part, we create a safer environment for all human and non-human life. 

Plastic Free July: Progress, Not Perfection

Posted on by Oliver Crawford-Shelmadine

Every July, millions of people around the world participate in Plastic Free July, a movement that encourages individuals, families, schools and businesses to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics. While eliminating plastic entirely may not be realistic for everyone, making small, intentional changes can significantly help reduce waste and protect our environment. 

Single-use plastics are designed to be used for only a short time, but they can remain in the environment for hundreds of years. Items such as plastic water bottles, shopping bags, straws, utensils, coffee cup lids, and food packaging often end up in landfills, waterways, or oceans, where they can harm wildlife and break down into tiny pieces known as microplastics. These microplastics have been found in soil, waterways, marine life, and even the food we eat.  

The good news is that reducing plastic waste does not require a major lifestyle change. Plastic Free July is about progress, not perfection. Every reusable water bottle filled, every reusable shopping bag brought to the store, and every disposable item avoided can make a meaningful difference over time helps reduce the demand for single-use plastics. 

Easy Ways to Participate 

Looking for simple ways to get started? Try incorporating at least one of these easy swaps into your routine: 

  • Carry a reusable water bottle instead of purchasing bottled water. 
  • Bring reusable shopping bags whenever you shop. 
  • Keep reusable utensils or a travel mug in your car, backpack, or workplace. 
  • Choose products with minimal or recyclable/compostable packaging. 
  • Skip plastic straws when they aren’t needed. 
  • Pack lunches and snacks in reusable containers instead of single-use plastic bags. 

Remember, you do not have to do everything at once. Building a few new habits over time can have a lasting impact. 

Why it Matters 

Reducing plastic waste helps conserve natural resources, lowers the greenhouse gas emissions associated with manufacturing new plastics, and reduces litter in our neighborhoods and natural spaces. It also supports a more circular economy by encouraging the use of durable, reusable products that stay in use longer rather than being discarded after a single use. 

Throughout the RethinkWaste service area, residents already play an important role in protecting the environment by properly sorting recyclables, compostables, and landfill materials. Another effective way to reduce waste is to prevent it from being created in the first place. By choosing reusable items whenever possible, we can reduce demand for new materials and conserve the energy and resources need to produce them.\ 

Every Action Counts 

This July, challenge yourself to replace at least one disposable plastic item with a reusable alternative. Whether it’s carrying a refillable water bottle, bringing your own shopping bag, or refusing unnecessary plastic utensils, every action adds up. 

If you’re looking for more ways to reduce waste at home, work, or school, visit the RethinkWaste Reduce Reuse Blogs page for tips on reusables, waste reduction, recycling, and composting. You can also follow RethinkWaste on social media throughout July for additional ideas and inspiration. 

Together, small changes can help reduce waste, conserve finite natural resources, and create cleaner, healthier communities for everyone. 

Waste-Less Spring Cleaning

Posted on by Oliver Crawford-Shelmadine

Spring is a time of renewal, new beginnings, and rebirth. It’s a season that encourages us to revamp our spaces, revisit our habits, and welcome new beginnings for the seasons ahead. But as awareness around environmental and social responsibility grows, it’s easy to feel torn. Should we embrace the excitement of change and self-expression, or should we resist the pressure to consume, in the name of stewardship, minimalism, and environmental responsibility? The truth is that this tension is real, but the choice doesn’t have to be one or the other.  

In today’s world, it can feel like everything around us pushes us to perpetually yearn for more, by replacing, upgrading, and buying more. Many products aren’t built to last, and many fast-changing trends can make perfectly usable items feel “outdated”. At the same time, our desire for change is natural. As we grow, our needs, tastes, and environments evolve, too. Spring represents that shift; a reminder that renewal is part of human experience.  

The good news is that refreshing your life and reducing waste are not mutually exclusive. With mindful choices and a bit of creativity, you can welcome the new season while keeping materials in use longer. Here are some of the environmentally and socially responsible tips and tricks we know about today:    

Neighborhood Giving Networks  

There are community-based apps designed to connect people within the same area who want to give and receive items freely, creating a simple, hyper-local circular economy. The best part is that everything listed on these apps is free! For those who have items they no longer need but don’t want to invest time and effort into selling, this approach eliminates the usual hassle.  

Local Person-to-Person Marketplaces  

Large social media platforms also offer built-in spaces dedicated to buying and selling secondhand goods. Nearly anything you can imagine can be found in these places, and listings can often be sorted by location and distance for added convenience. Transactions are handled directly between the buyer and seller, arranging their own transactions and handling payments independently of the platform, meaning sellers keep 100% of their profit and buyers pay no additional fees. This direct exchange also encourages a healthy culture of negotiation and community-based commerce.  

Repurposing  

Have you been collecting mason jars since 2014 for a farmhouse aesthetic you never quite committed to? Luckily, they’re incredibly versatile. Mason jars make excellent drinking glasses, pencil holders, candle vessels, or even small planters. The same goes for items we often toss without a second thought, like the cardboard rolls from toilet paper or paper towels. These can be reused to wrap and organize unruly cords, creating a simple, recycled storage solution. There are countless everyday items we instinctively label as “disposable” that actually hold untapped potential for a second life.  

Mending and Repair  

One of the best sustainable crafts is mending old clothes that have worn thin, torn, or developed holes over time. Not only does mending extend the life of an item, but it also offers an opportunity for creativity. Techniques like embroidery, patchwork, or adding fun accents and textures can transform a tired pair of pants into a completely new wardrobe staple — one that’s kinder to both your wallet and the planet. The same mindset applies to appliances or other household items that have broken. While repairs can feel intimidating when we lack the proper tools or experience, many communities offer fix-it clinics or maintain lending libraries with tools available for short-term use. These shared resources make it easier to make repairs yourself, saving money and preventing otherwise usable items from ending up in the landfill.  

Sustainable Alternatives  

Around the house and throughout our daily routines, there are countless small habit changes and product swaps we can make to live more sustainably. When replacements are truly needed, choosing reusable, refillable, and thoughtfully made alternatives can significantly reduce waste over time.  

Simple swaps, like opting for soap bars instead of bottled body wash, using cloth rags in place of paper towels, or keeping a reusable coffee tumbler and utensils on hand add up. Choosing natural fibers over synthetics, reusable storage containers instead of single-use plastics, and less processed, unpackaged snacks can further minimize your environmental impact. These changes don’t require perfection, just intention, and consistency. But don’t forget that the most sustainable option is often the one you already own—buying less means creating less waste!  

Here’s a few other sustainable, reusable product ideas:  

  • Reusable water bottles  
  • Electric or bamboo toothbrush  
  • Swedish dish cloths  
  • Toothpaste tablets  
  • Refillable deodorant  
  • Cloth instead of makeup wipes or cotton balls  
  • Brush or cloth instead of plastic sponges  
  • Refillable candles  
  • Homemade or store-bought fabric menstrual pads  
  • Make up brushes instead of applicators  

When you’re finally ready to literally cleanse and refresh your space, choosing more sustainable cleaning options can make a meaningful difference. Plastic-free dish tabs, laundry sheets, and concentrated cleaning products help reduce packaging waste and overall consumption, making your spring reset gentler on both your home and the environment.  

Waste is something we all play a role in, and that means we all have the power to be part of the solution. By recycling and composting properly, we can reduce the need for new raw materials, conserve energy, and lower emissions. Just as importantly, choosing to buy and use less in the first place is the most effective way to reduce waste at its source. 

The good news is that small actions add up. Every time we sort correctly, choose reusable options, or make more mindful purchases, we’re making a positive impact. At RethinkWaste, our goal is to support and empower our community with the tools and information needed to make confident, sustainable choices, whether at the bin or at the point of purchase. 

How a Circular Economy Can Reduce Plastic Waste

Posted on by Oliver Crawford-Shelmadine

We have all been there — standing in front of the recycling, compost, and landfill bins wondering where a piece of garbage is supposed to go. At RethinkWaste, we realize this confusion is common, which is why we work every day to help our community understand proper sorting practices, reduce contamination in recycling and compost, and keep valuable materials out of the landfill.

But even with strong community effort, plastic waste continues to grow. Plastic is present in countless products and their packaging. As production increases, so does the amount that ends up in our landfills, the environment and as a result, our bodies.

There is, however, an economic solution called the circular economy that can solve this problem. In a circular economy, materials are kept in circulation through reuse, repair, recycling, and repurposing. A circular economy dramatically reduces waste, saves energy, and lessens the need for extracting raw, non-renewable natural resources like the petroleum used to make plastics.

This solution has been implemented in many ways, big and small, all over the world, and is a key strategy for eliminating waste and pollution. Rather than continuing down the road of single-use plastics because they are “cheap and convenient,” the circular economy creates a closed loop system where materials are continuously reused.

Products can be made with stronger materials so that they last longer and do not need to be replaced as often. They can also be designed to be easily disassembled and repaired, allowing individual parts to be replaced, rather than throwing away an entire item due to one small issue.

When applied to plastics, a circular economy aims to keep plastic materials in use and out of landfills. In a circular economy, plastics are designed to be reused or recycled into new products rather than wasted after a single use. This can include creating packaging that can be easily reused or recycled, using standardized materials instead of mixed plastics, and pushing manufacturers to take responsibility for collecting and processing the plastic they produce.

In California, major steps are being taken to move toward a circular economy. Senate Bill 54 (SB 54), the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act, requires producers of single-use packaging and plastic food service ware to reduce plastic use, increase recyclability and composability, and take responsibility for the full life cycle of their products. The law sets ambitious targets to reduce single-use plastic packaging by 25 percent and ensure that all packaging is recyclable or compostable, while promoting investment in statewide recycling infrastructure. By shifting responsibility from the consumers to the producers, SB 54 encourages more thoughtful product and packaging design, investment in more robust recovery infrastructure and a statewide move toward a system that handles natural resources responsibly.

At RethinkWaste, we play a key role in supporting this transition by educating our community, managing one of the region’s major recycling facilities, and supporting policies that reduce waste. When residents sort correctly at home by placing recyclable plastics in the correct bin, they help ensure materials can be successfully processed and turned into new products rather than being sent to the landfill. You can take a simple but meaningful step toward a circular economy by choosing reusable options whenever possible, whether that means using a refillable water bottle, packing lunch in a reusable container, or bringing your own bag when shopping. These small choices reduce reliance on single-use plastics and help keep materials circulating longer. The circular economy offers an effective alternative to the traditional single-use, linear model that has dominated for decades. By designing durable products, reducing unnecessary packaging, and valuing materials instead of treating them as disposable, we can create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable system. Together we can build a more responsible future where resources are reused, waste is minimized, and our environment and health are prioritized.

From Festive to Sustainable: Your Post-Holiday Low-Waste Guide

Posted on by Julia Au

The holidays bring joy and celebration but once the decorations come down, we are often left with extra materials, leftover holiday food, and items that we are not quite sure what to do with. The good news is that the days after holiday festivities are the perfect time to reset with thoughtful and practical actions that help reduce what ends up in the landfill! By extending the life of what we already have and planning with intention, we can carry the spirit of the season forward!

Here are five simple, post-holiday ideas to help you transition from festive to sustainable.

1. Repurpose holiday cards and gift wrap into craft projects or decor
Many holiday cards and gift wrap are made from paper-based materials that can be reused before putting them in your recycling bin. Cards can be repurposed into bookmarks or artwork, while wrapping paper and tissue can be used for craft projects or homemade decorations. Extending the life of these materials helps reduce demand for new items and minimizes what is ultimately sent to the landfill.

2. Store and organize reusable gift bags, ribbons, and boxes for next year
Reusable gift bags, ribbons, and boxes are intended for multiple uses but are often discarded due to limited storage or organization. Sorting and storing these items together after the holidays make them easier to reuse in the future and reduces the need to purchase new packaging materials.

3. Turn leftover holiday food into creative meals to avoid food waste
Did you know that food waste makes up a significant portion of landfill waste? Leftover ingredients can be incorporated into new meals such as broths, soups or even casseroles. Meal planning and proper food storage is a great way to help make sure that prepared food is consumed rather than discarded.

4. Learn how to compost dried-out wreaths, trees, and natural decor
Natural holiday decor, including real trees, wreaths, and garland can often be composted. Removing materials such as wire or hooks from items like wreaths helps ensure these items can be properly processed and turned into nutrient rich soil!

5. Plan ahead for next year’s holidays with low-waste traditions and gift ideas
Looking at existing habits can help influence more thoughtful decisions in the future. Planning celebrations that prioritize experiences, reusable decor, and thoughtful gifting can significantly reduce holiday waste. Taking time to plan ahead makes it easier to choose sustainable alternatives.

Small and thoughtful actions after the holidays can go a long way in creating low-waste celebrations. Repurposing decorations, saving gift wrap, and turning leftovers into new meals are simple ways to reduce landfill waste. Over time, these habits help make every holiday more sustainable.

Happy holidays and best wishes for the year ahead, from all of us at RethinkWaste!

Sustainable Holidays Made Simple

Posted on by Julia Au

The holiday season is a time for joy, gathering, and creating memories—but it can also be a time of excess. With a few mindful choices, you can celebrate in style and keep your environmental impact low. Whether you’re planning a festive party, preparing a big holiday meal, dressing for the occasion, or keeping little hands busy, below are simple, fun, and creative ways to make your holidays more sustainable this year.

✨ 1. Host a Low-Waste Holiday Party (Without Sacrificing the Fun)

A sustainable holiday party doesn’t have to feel like a compromise. In fact, it often feels more special because it leans into thoughtful details and intentional choices.

Use Reusables Wherever Possible

Swap single-use plates, cups, napkins, and cutlery for the real deal. If you don’t have enough, borrow from neighbors or rent from a local party-supply company. It instantly cuts your waste in half.

Offer Batch Drinks Instead of Individual Bottles

Serve punch, mulled cider, or a signature holiday cocktail or mocktails in large dispensers to avoid endless cans and bottles. Bonus: it becomes a party centerpiece!

Create a Clearly Marked Waste Station

Set out bins labeled “Recycling,” “Compost,” and “Garbage” so guests know exactly where to put things. It encourages good habits and avoids mystery bags of mixed waste after the party.

🥕 2. Sustainable Holiday Cooking & Zero-Waste Kitchen Tips

Holiday cooking can produce a mountain of packaging and leftovers—but it doesn’t have to.

Plan a Menu Around Seasonal & Local Ingredients

Winter squashes, root veggies, citrus, herbs, and mushrooms make hearty and sustainable dishes. Farmers markets often have the freshest and least-packaged produce.

Cook Plant-Forward When Possible

Even swapping one main or side dish for a plant-based option can reduce your carbon footprint significantly. Think lentil loaf, wild mushroom stuffing, or roasted vegetable tarts.

Use a “Leftovers First” Strategy

Map out how you’ll use leftovers before you even start cooking. Some ideas:

  • Turn roasted veggies into a breakfast hash
  • Transform turkey or tofurkey into tacos
  • Use stale bread for croutons or stuffing muffins

Buy in Bulk for Baking

Flour, sugar, spices, and nuts are often available plastic-free in bulk stores. Bring your own jars or bags to reduce packaging waste.

👗 3. Sustainable Holiday Fashion: Look Amazing, Make Less Waste

Holiday outfits don’t have to be brand new to feel festive and fabulous.

Shop Your Closet First

Chances are, you already own a dress or sweater that can be reimagined with different accessories.

Consider Renting

If you want something special for a party, apps and local boutiques offer rental options that keep clothing in circulation longer.

Thrift or Buy Secondhand

This is the best way to score unique, affordable holiday looks while staying eco-friendly.

Host a Holiday Outfit Swap

Gather friends and family and trade clothes, shoes, or accessories. It’s fun, sustainable, and a great pre-party activity.

🎁 The Takeaway: Sustainable Holidays Are Happier Holidays

Sustainable holidays may sound like a lot of work, but it is worth it to help build creativity, community, and connection. By hosting a thoughtful low-waste party, decorating with nature and recycled goodies, cooking smarter, dressing sustainably, and engaging kids in meaningful activities, your holiday season becomes not only joyful but genuinely impactful for your loved ones and the environment!

“No Buy” Internet Sustainability Trends

Posted on by Julia Au

As the cost of living rises, inflation increases, and consumerism becomes more rampant, many people are starting to realize that these costs are adding up and their spending habits are not sustainable. Not only that, but people are tired of the clutter it causes in their home, the amount of waste it creates, and the negative environmental impacts. As a result, two anti-consumerism and waste-reducing trends have popped up in 2025 known as “Project Pan” and “No-Buy 2025” this year and it’s still not too late to get “in” on the trend.

What is “Project Pan?”

Project Pan is a challenge created by makeup and beauty enthusiasts to encourage finishing a product to its very last drop/crumb, or in the case for makeup, until you can see the pan the makeup was in, before buying a new product. To avoid waste, this challenge especially includes using products that you didn’t like in alternative and creative ways. For example, using eyeshadow as paint or face wash as body wash.

How to Practice Project Pan:

  • Use what you have!
  • Avoid buying products just because you see it trending on social media
  • Stop buying multiples of makeup, skincare, and other beauty products until you are completely finished with the ones you already have
  • Unsubscribe from marketing emails from beauty brands
  • Use products you have excess of/are not using in creative ways. Some ideas for inspiration:
    • Shampoo -> Hair brush and makeup brush cleaner
    • Setting Powders -> Dry Shampoo
    • Facial Skincare -> Body Skincare
    • Lipsticks, Eyeshadows, Foundation, etc. -> Paint

Are Beauty Product Containers/Packaging Recyclable?

Some are, but many unfortunately are not. Here is a brief guide on how to dispose of common beauty products:

Recycle empty and dry:

  • Hard plastic bottles
  • Paperboard boxes

If any of your beauty products still have product in them such as liquids, creams, oils, or balms, empty it out before recycling. If you cannot get the product out, landfill the item.

Landfill

  • Squeeze Tubes
    • Ex. Shampoo, facial cleanser, lip gloss
  • Glass bottles (This type of glass cannot be recycled)
    • Ex. Foundation, concealer, serums
  • Small Plastics (less than 2-inch)
    • Ex. Lip products, concealer, mascara
  • Soft Plastics
    • Ex. Face mask packets, sample sachets
  • Other Common Items
    • Ex. Face masks, cotton rounds, cotton swabs, tissues, makeup sponges, pimple patches

What is “No-Buy 2025?”

No-buy is exactly what it sounds like: refraining from buying! Similarly to Project Pan, No-Buy aims to combat overconsumption and consumerism, save money, and reduce waste by encouraging people to not buy things they simply do not need. However, this challenge is not exclusive to just makeup and beauty products, it’s for everything! This includes clothing, home décor, accessories, takeout, technology, books, etc., but can exclude essential items like healthcare, groceries, utilities, housing, and transportation.

There are many online influencers who have shared videos on their personal rules for their No-Buy 2025 journey such as:

  • No buying of:
    • New clothes or shoes (some even refrain from thrifting!)
    • Perfume
    • Jewelry
    • New technology or devices
    • Takeout (some allow once a month)
    • Books
    • Coffee or tea
    • Manicures or salon visits
    • Mugs or water bottles
  • Using only one TV/movie streaming service
  • Deleting shopping apps
  • Avoiding trips to major shopping chains

All of these items’ costs can add up quickly if purchased often! For some people, cutting these everyday purchases can save thousands of dollars a year. If you’re looking for a challenge, try picking five things you can commit to this year to help save money and reduce waste. You might surprise yourself and end up resisting the purchase of more than five of these items!

While following trends usually contribute to consumerism on social media platforms Project Pan and No-Buy 2025 help promotes the opposite! Try out these cost-saving and waste-reducing trends this year and see how much of an impact it can make on your life and the environment!

Seven Green Resolutions To Make Today

Posted on by Joanna Rosales

With a new year approaching, it’s natural to reflect on how we can improve both ourselves and the environment around us. What better way to start the new year with some practical ways to live a more environmentally conscious and sustainable life? One overall resolution can be to reduce your waste. The opportunity to reduce our waste shows up daily in many different ways! Whether it’s our buying, eating, or everyday habits, here are seven resolutions to adopt in the new year and beyond.

1. Refuse single-use plastic

Say “no thank you” to single-use straws, utensils, cups, and water bottles. Bring your own, and revel in the confidence of having on-hand cutlery that is the safest, most hygienic, and unique option.

2. Make reusables easily accessible

One way to set yourself up for success is to make reusables as easy to grab as possible. Put them in your car, backpack, purse, or other common location so you don’t even have to think about bringing them!

3. Rent

Ever need a sewing machine, toolbox, or seasonal gear like a snowboard or kayak? Consider renting! Libraries and sporting goods stores offer rental of these big-ticket items, so that we can use them only as needed. It’s convenient and there’s no need to figure out storage after use.

4. Refill

Instead of continuously accumulating packaging, try the practice of refilling! Bring your designated container or bag to refill laundry detergent, dish soap, or snacks at stores that offer refill options. Sporting goods stores even offer small refillable propane tanks for your portable cooking needs!

5. Rechargeable batteries

While batteries play a huge part in powering the many electronics that surround us, they also pose as a hazard since they are flammable. Reduce the amount of single-use batteries and opt for rechargeable, so we can all help in reducing the risk of battery fires.

6. Support local businesses, makers, and artists

Shopping at a small business not only boosts the local economy, but also lessens our environmental footprint. Supporting a local business, maker, or artist means a higher chance of buying products that were made or sourced from local materials, which means products didn’t travel hundreds of miles to get there.

7. Reuse what you have

Chances are, we already have everything we need in order to reduce waste. Reusable utensils, a cloth napkin, a reusable water bottle – they don’t have to be the newest or fanciest, the spirit of reuse is using what we already have.

It may seem daunting to reduce the waste we create, but let’s feel inspired by the new year and take action today by choosing resolutions that will contribute to both our society and a better environment. Taking small steps slowly builds the habit so that it eventually comes naturally to say no to unnecessary things in our lives that end up as waste. Start small and try one tip at a time – it takes some trial and error to get to a place where you find what works for you. Before you know it, the year will pass and you can look back and proudly say you didn’t use one single-use water bottle the whole year, or at least lessened the amount, which is great progress!  

Happy holidays and cheers to the new year, from all of us at RethinkWaste!

The Practice of Swapping

Posted on by Joanna Rosales

A swap is a community “marketplace” that doesn’t require the exchange of money, instead community members simply bring items that they don’t need any more to exchange for items that they could use from other participants. The more people involved, the more likely it is that everyone finds the things they’re looking for. RethinkWaste hosts swaps at annual events and local libraries to create opportunities for the community to come together, support changes in each other’s lives and our growing needs through the exchange of goods. Whether it be you’re celebrating another year of growth, embracing a new job, taking up a new activity or transitioning into a new home or school, we all experience times in our lives when we need to get rid of things or are in search of new things.

Lean on your community to lighten the load on your mind and your wallet; your neighbors might have just what you need or looking for. There’s no need for great stress or expense, so a swap is an easy way to get our gently used items a caring, new home.

The world is currently living in a  throw-away, single-use, fast-fashion society. The “out of sight, out of mind” mentality of previous centuries does not work anymore, as we have no more frontiers and increasing populations. What we dispose is even coming back to haunt us through different forms of pollution, be it microplastics, forever chemicals like PFAS, or greenhouse gases. If we care not to poison ourselves and our planet with our waste, we need to start rethinking our consumption habits and come together to rehome our things rather than tossing them and buying new ones.

Today’s society still pushes overconsumption by convincing consumers that we need to have the newest, the fastest, the shiniest, despite the environmental crisis our waste creates. Secondhand items are not sloppy seconds. It may take a little reframing of the mind to accept, so perhaps this analogy will help: secondhand items are like puppies at the shelter. Maybe they need some TLC, a wash, some grooming, but they still have so much potential to bring joy into your life. In the end, it’s all new to you and a certain pride comes with rescuing a thing too. Not everyone has the patience or the heart for rehabilitation, but perhaps you might find one of the following to be a motivator to exploring a swap:

  • Saving money
  • Building community
  • Living sustainably
  • Embracing a minimalistic lifestyle
  • Embracing a buy-nothing year
  • A love for fixing, tinkering, re-making, altering
  • Challenging outdated habits

Starting in 2023, RethinkWaste has hosted or collaborated with a library in our service area to hold swap events. Past themes have included:

  • Books, puzzles, and games
  • Clothing, shoes, and accessories
  • Items for children
  • Plants and pots

As one of the goals of the swaps is to reduce waste, the starting inventory for the events is sourced from staff, partners, and the community. Any shortcomings are filled through mindful thrift store purchases. Our final table displays draw in crowds of 100 to 200 people, some of them empty handed passersby. With plentiful stock we have the means to accommodate all our visitors and allow everyone to walk away with something new to them. The goal is to normalize the practice of swapping and reuse, so we see each event as an opportunity to engage with anyone curious enough to pop in. Hopefully, at the next one we’ll see familiar faces and a growing pool of patrons. Join us at an event this summer!

Pictured: All Things Kids Swap at the Downtown Redwood City Library
Pictured: Book, Puzzle, Game Swap at the Burlingame Library

How to Reduce Clothing and Textile Waste 

Posted on by Joanna Rosales

Every year, billions of pounds of clothes are thrown into landfills to be buried forever. The US EPA reported that 66% of the textiles produced in the U.S. are sent to the landfill, which is equivalent to about 22.6 billion pounds. Of that amount, 18.14 billion pounds consist of clothing and footwear. This not only leads to a waste of resources, but also results in millions of pounds of carbon dioxide and methane being emitted, contributing to atmospheric warming and climate change. 

As consumerism and capitalism continue to drive our fashion choices, this pattern is likely to persist. However, as consumers we have the power to change this and divert our clothing and textile waste away from the landfills. There are many sustainable practices we can adopt instead of throwing away our old clothing, shoes, blankets, etc. 

First let’s go through some ways to reduce the need to get rid of your clothes in the first place. 

  1. Avoid purchasing trendy clothes 

Clothing trends have always been around, but with the current fast fashion industry and the help of social media influencers, trends are coming and going more frequently. These are known as microtrends. Some clothing item or shoe will be trendy for 1-3 weeks, people will purchase said item, and in a few weeks when it’s no longer trendy, the item will sit in a closet before it’s thrown away or donated to a thrift store.  

To break this cycle, consider investing in timeless and classic pieces that have neutral colors and patterns; items you can see yourself wearing five or even ten years from now.  

  1. Invest in high quality clothes 

Comfortability, thickness, stitching, and fabric blend are all characteristics to look for in a lasting garment.  

  • Comfortability — If a garment is itchy or rough, you’ll likely not wear it very much.  
  • Thickness — Thin garments will not last as long as thicker ones.  
  • Stitching — Well-stitched clothes will pass the tug-test, which is when you tug on stitching and buttons to make sure it won’t fall apart.  
  • Fabric Blend — A blend of cotton and polyester allows for the softness and breathability of cotton and the durability and wrinkle resistance of polyester.  
  1. Repair clothes 

Have a hole in a pair of jeans, sweater, or t-shirt? Don’t throw them away! Repair them! Take your garments to a repair shop, tailor, or learn how to repair your clothes yourself. We live in a time where we have access to a wide variety of resources to help repair our clothes, from online tutorials to community center classes. Consider even asking friends and family if they know how to sew and if they can help.  

  1. Properly take care of clothes 

According to the American Cleaning Institute (ACI), 32% of people always read the care instructions, 42% sometimes read the instructions, and 23% rarely or never read the instructions. If you’ve bought a brand-new garment or pair of shoes, chances are that there is a label with care instructions on it. Following these instructions will ensure the longevity of the clothes you spend money on. Here is a guide from the ACI on how to read the fabric care symbols on the tags of your clothes! 

Now that we’ve gone over how to reduce textile waste and how to make sure clothes last, here are some ways to reuse unwanted textiles/clothing instead of sending them to the landfill.   

  1. Upcycle textiles/clothes 

Give your textiles another life by upcycling them into a new garment or textile. A pair of jeans can become a skirt, a t-shirt can become a tote bag, a sweater can become a pillowcase. There are so many creative ways to upcycle what you have. Find ideas online to inspire you; the possibilities are endless.  

  1. Donate to a women’s/family/unhoused shelter 

Instead of donating to a thrift store, try donating to a shelter for unhoused individuals. Not everybody has money to buy clothes, so donating clothes to a shelter is a great way to make sure your clothes are going to people who need it.  

  1. Donate textiles to an animal shelter 

There may be animal shelters in your area that will accept old towels, blankets, etc. to keep some fur babies warm! Call your local shelter to check their needs. 

  1. Host a clothes swap with your friends and/or community 

Swapping clothes is a fun way to not only part with unwanted items, but also receive new-to-you clothes, all while avoiding sending them to the landfill! 

These are some of the many ways we can extend the life of our textiles and prevent them from being buried in the landfill forever. We hope these tips are insightful and helpful in your textile waste reduction journey! Let us know if you use any of these tips! 

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