It's always better to recycle than just throwing everything into the landfill, but can we do more?

Yes! Properly recycling is an important step in reducing waste and mitigating climate change. However, in 2018, only 8% of plastics generated were actually recycled. This is the alarming reality of the recycling industry: recyclables are a commodity, and whether or not they are recovered is dependent on the market for those materials. That’s why the rules about what can be recycled feel like they are always changing.

 

The best way to combat this problem (without breaking the bank) is to reuse as much as possible. Repurposing plastic bags and packaging not only saves you money, but also takes plastic out of the waste stream.

If you are looking for a more permanent solution to your plastic-reduction efforts, consider shopping at one of the three Zero Waste Stores in Sonoma County. These shops sell sturdy, reusable containers and often offer refilling of your household products like laundry detergent and shampoo. They also sell zero waste products like toothpaste tabs, silicone storage bags, and other plastic-free household items. Click the links below to explore:

Heritage Alchemy (Santa Rosa): www.heritagealchemy.com

Homebody Refill (Sebastopol): www.homebodyrefill.com

Refill Madness (Sonoma): www.refillmadnesssacramento.com