Upcycled/Recycled Products
Introduction
Lowering our consumption rate is vital to helping our planet recover from the destruction caused by decades of global overconsumption. It's important to question what we really need, what is "enough", and to consciously choose minimalism as often as possible.
However waste is an ever-present problem, and sometimes we can't avoid consuming or using certain things.
We strongly recommend checking our your local libraries including tool libraries, and libraries of things to help reduce your consumption. Nappy/Diaper Libraries can give you free or affordable access to reusable and washable cloth gear which can then be passed along to the next family who needs them.
There are also community swaps, share economy, and other programs you may be able to find locally instead of
Food
Food waste can generally be turned back into nutritious soil and compost tea, which can then be used to grow more food. Click the buttons below to learn more.
Apps & Blockchains
Plastic Bank "Our proprietary blockchain-secured platform records every transaction and gives traceability to your impact."
"By partnering with Plastic Bank, you are enabling plastic collection within 50 kilometers of ocean-bound waterways and coastlines. Our communities gather plastic waste directly from local beaches, riverbanks, neighbourhoods, and even households – so we are able stop ocean plastic directly at source.
Together, we are revealing value in plastic waste and improving lives. Our members exchange plastic waste as currency at local Plastic Bank branches for bonuses that help provide basic family necessities, such as groceries, cooking fuel, school tuition, health insurance, digital connectivity, and fintech services. By offering safe, secure, and traceable sources of income, we’re empowering communities in vulnerable areas with a path out of poverty."
Organizations & Networks
North America
USA
The Dream Entrepreneurs Network is a diverse group of innovators who are using their lived experience to transform communities most impacted by climate change and mass incarceration. Our goal is to build and support a pipeline of 100 minority-owned climate entrepreneurs to become stewards of historic climate investments, capturing $50B+ in economic benefits over the next 10 years."
RILA's: Zero Waste Network (ZWN) "is composed of leading retail waste management and compliance executives who work to improve materials management and eliminate product and packaging waste throughout their supply chains, distribution networks and facilities. As the retail industry moves forward on a path to a more circular economy, the ZWN provides a forum for retail zero waste executives to hear from experts and engage peer-to-peer benchmarking on the implementation, management, and oversight of retail waste programs." RILA = Retail Industry Leaders Association