Toward Zero Waste
In Washington State alone, we generate around 17 million tons of waste per year. In the U.S. $200 billion is spent on solid waste management and lost energy resources from disposing of trash. Solid waste represents wasted resources, energy, and money.
Over 450 businesses have committed to reducing their waste through our Toward Zero Waste program and are making great strides! The vast majority of businesses have realized financial savings in addition to making a positive change for our community and the environment.
How can I reduce wasted food?
We can each do a little to help! Start meal planning today, create an ‘eat first’ section in your fridge, or donate soon-to-expire foods to a local hunger relief agency. Learn more about how you can Squatch Food Waste at home or donate prepared leftover food from your business through our Food Recovery Program.
How can I reduce waste at my business or public event?
1. Commit
Contact us to learn about reducing your waste by 50% (or more)! In return, you will receive one on one technical assistance, a detailed action plan, employee training and logos for you to use in your marketing and communications.
2. Recruit
Recruit an internal change champion who can lead the efforts at your business or event and review our educational materials.
3. Attend
Attend a Toward Zero Waste workshop for further education (optional). Have your questions answered and learn more from industry leaders and your peers!
4. Share!
Share your waste reduction goals, progress, achievements and barriers. Respond to a short online survey and allow SSC to report your measurable progress directly to us so we can help share your success in the community.
How Does Sustainable Connections Help?
Personalized coaching and assistance is provided to your businesses to get you started, connect you with resources and help solve problems.
Promotional materials including posters, decals, stickers and logos will be sent for you to use on your website, business cards, at point of sale, through your customer newsletters, in your ads and where ever works best for you. Signage for sorting waste is available for your business to use on recycling, composting, and trash receptacles.
Recognition and promotion for your business is available for participating in the Toward Zero Waste Campaign. Sustainable Connections highlights participating businesses in social media, newsletters, press releases, and case studies . Sustainable Connections members will be recognized for participating in Toward Zero Waste in the business directory.
Toward Zero Waste Workshops are available for industries such as construction, food and farming, event planning, and hospitality. Have your questions answered and learn more from industry leaders and your peers! Visit our events page for details about workshops.
Industry specific educational materials such as how-to guides, recycling tool kits and event planning guides are available for participants.
Posters!
Sustainable Connections has printed posters available for Towards Zero Waste participants. If you would like to customize and print your own posters, simply click on the images below to download a printable PDF. Contact Mark if you have questions!
Bottle and Can Recycling
Paper Recycling
Composting
Paper Towels
8.5″ x 11″
Paper Towel
11″ x 17″
Landfill
Toward Zero Waste Toolkits
Event Toolkit
Planning a big outdoor festival or a small indoor gathering? This manual is for you!
Contractor Toolkit
Helpful for anyone in the building industry – from small independent contractors to large construction companies trying to reduce their waste.
Food Services Toolkit
Restaurants, caterers and food truck owners can learn from these guidelines. Contact Mark for your free waste audit and start reducing waste today!
Additional Tools for Food Services:
Public School District Waste Reduction and Recycling Toolkit
Schools can learn tips and tricks for reducing waste and recycling. We also work with partner organizations to help educate kids in the classroom.
Additional Tools for Public Schools:
Event Planner Waste Reduction and Recycling Toolkit
A step-by-step guide for caterers, food vendors, and venue spaces
Toward Zero Waste Case Studies
Sea Witch Botanicals
All packaging is compostable.
Semiahmoo Resort & Spa
Employee coffee stations are free of plastic pods.
Together we achieve more!
Nearly 5,000 lbs of freeze dried blackberries
Hempler’s Food Group
Donated nearly 4,000 lbs of hot dogs
Healthy Pet
Diverted 670 yards of waste in a year.
Chrysalis Inn & Spa
Over 80% of food waste is composted.
April Brews Day
Reduced landfill waste by over 85%
The Leopold
Eliminated all Styrofoam from their kitchen.
Old School Tattoo and Piercing
Properly disposes of all Biohazardous waste.
Good to Go Meat Pies
Diverts over 90% of their waste from landfills.
Mount Baker Care Center
Purchased reusable cups to deliver medications.
Chuckanut 50K Race
Provided reusable stainless steel cups.
Contact us for help with signage, banners, and more!
Contact us!
Many Thanks To Our Toward Zero Waste Sponsors:
Many Thanks To Our Toward Zero Waste Partners:
