Fix Our Earth: Trash Assessment
BY: STEPHANIE LICCIARDI, GROUP FOR THE EAST END ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATE
FIX OUR EARTH
Many of us currently have the privilege of staying safe in our homes while medical personnel, grocery store employees, postal workers, janitors, and so many others are still going to work. When life feels out of control, it is helpful to focus on contributing something positive to the world.
For those of us who are isolating at home, all the trash we generate is gathered in one place. It is the perfect time to monitor what you throw away in order to identify what has reusable replacements or what can be repurposed. It’s also a great way to show your love for the planet and celebrate Earth Day.
Follow these steps to complete your own trash assessment.
1. Discuss who is included in this trash assessment. If you live with your family or with roommates, ask if they want to participate. The more the merrier! Plus, the more you reduce your waste as a whole, the more money you will end up saving in the long run, even if it's because you wind up needing fewer garbage bags.
2. Decide how long you will commit to this trash assessment. This is unique to each family and it depends on how often you fill up a garbage bag. If it takes you a while to have a full trash can, then assess your waste from empty bag to full bag. If you find that you and your family create garbage more quickly, measure over the course of a few days to a week for the most accurate measurement.
3. Record. Keep track of all recyclables, non-recyclables, and food you throw away. You can use a notebook, your phone, a spreadsheet, or take mental note of what you throw away. If you choose to use paper, keep a sheet of paper and a pen near all the garbage and recycling containers in your home.
4. Assess. Use these questions as a guideline, but don't feel limited by them:
What do you throw out the most?
It may be helpful if you organize your list by frequency for this discussion.
Can you identify any easy reusable swaps?
How much plastic are you throwing away? Can you think of any non-plastic alternatives?
Did you record any wasted food? How can you reduce your food waste?
Ex: Keep the fridge organized so food isn't forgotten
Is there a local facility or farm that accepts food scraps? Try googling "food scrap collection near me"
Can you identify more challenging zero-waste alternatives that you are willing to try?
What have you thrown away that has an alternative use in your home?
Ex: Can your glass salsa jars be used for something?
Are you properly sorting your waste?
Ex: Are you recycling items that cannot be recycled? Is some of your recyclable waste in your regular trash? Here is the information on what you can recycling in each East End town:
5. Implement your adjustments! Figure out a game plan and follow through. I’m sure you already own some things that could help you reach your goals. Research eco-friendly swaps for what you throw out the most. I document my journey in adopting a more eco-friendly lifestyle on my sustainability blog, Fix Our Earth, and Instagram. Package Free Shop is a great resource for zero waste household items. Etsy hosts small businesses that sell all kinds of items aimed at reducing your waste. There are so many resources right at your fingertips.
Honestly, there is no "away" when you throw something out. Your trash always ends up somewhere, whether that is in our oceans and rivers or in a landfill. It does not disappear, we simply find someplace to put it that is out of view. By assessing the amount of trash you produce, you can identify those easy switches, challenge yourself with more difficult ones and reduce your impact on our planet. Any action helps, even if it's small.
I encourage you to challenge your neighbors, friends, and families to complete their own trash assessments. Something that has given me hope during isolation has been watching not only my community, but the global community come together to support each other. We check in on each other, share groceries, and exchange words of encouragement. Completing a trash assessment together is another way to virtually interact with people we love and miss.
Here’s a blank trash assessment record sheet you can use on your own. Tag Group for the East End on social media and let us know if you participate in a trash assessment!
