For the next subtopic within our eco-faith initiative, we are taking a deep dive into waste (of all kinds!) — and simple things you can do to learn more, act, and reduce waste. This post and eco-act invitation is really just an introduction to waste. Later, we will delve more into plastics, e-waste, toxic waste, consumerism, and maybe even sprinkle in a few more ideas about food waste and compost! Ultimately, we also hope to offer ideas on how you can live a lower waste lifestyle (any things you already do??).

So to start, let’s get a lay of the local systems and municipal offerings. We are privileged to live in a city where residential and commercial compost is taken by Seattle Public Utilities (or other commercial providers), people are (mostly) cognizant of sorting waste, and zero or low-waste lifestyles are encouraged (reusable water bottles or mugs, etc). Wherever you are located, it’s important to get acquainted with the resources your city provides! Here are a few great Seattle resources to get started:

Where Does It Go? List: This detailed tool gives a breakdown of where to toss everything from dryer sheets to asbestos by Seattle Public Utilities.
Buy Nothing Project: Started in 2013 on Bainbridge Island, two friends created what has now become a global gift economy phenomenon! Read more here, and be sure to check their group locator page, as well as Covid-19 statement.
Eco-Collective: This is an amazing zero-waste store in Ballard that has many home essentials and a bulk bar (full of oils, shampoo, cleaning solution, spices). They do rigorous product testing and give detailed product info about end-of life disposal as well.

Finally, what is the importance of waste for Christians anyway? As waste continues to have devastating impacts for our global neighbors who receive legal or illegal waste generated by the US, for sea creatures and ecosystems, and for the land in general that gets polluted with industrial toxins, we’d point to the Gospel according to Matthew:

“In everything do to others as you would have them do to you” (7:12), and
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (22:39)

And that should be reason enough. We hope you’ll join us by sharing some ways you are reducing or reusing waste. Let us know in the comments below, or email Adrienne!