Waste Not Consulting

Consider opting for a durable, reusable costume. Not only will it look better, but you can also wear it again or pass it on to someone else in the future. Thrift stores provide an affordable way to take this less wasteful route. Goodwill, in particular, has made costume design easier for customers by not only offering donated items but also purchasing new Halloween accessories to complement their inventory, making it easy to create a unique look while supporting sustainability. https://lnkd.in/e3jba5up

The annual Gathering in Escondido, centered on Cooperation this year. The conference never disappoints! This event brings together businesses and non-profits to gain insight and push boundaries. We enjoyed a diverse spread of foods and people, alongside amazing and thought-provoking sessions. A must for farmers, food recovery advocates, and anyone seeking a pure connection to people and the land. ?????? #Escondido #SanDiego #Farmers #FoodRecovery #Connection

What a fantastic way to end the evening at the summit awards, celebrating outstanding companies making a positive impact in our world!! Thank you Kate Williams for your tireless work at 1% and the hosting of this event! Excited about the values this organization represents and eager to see the philanthropic initiatives set for 2025! #SummitAwards #Philanthropy #ImpactfulCompanies

Love seeing our very own Sustainability Coordinator, Stephanie, volunteering at the event for a wonderful non-profit, Sustainability is Sexy (SIS)!! #Sustainability #Volunteering #NonProfit

1% for the Planet representation!!

This article highlights an important challenge for zero waste systems—ensuring the return of reusable containers. While the goal is clear, the reality of implementation in high-traffic spaces like stadiums and schools can be complex. The insights shared at the National Zero Waste Conference (of which I was a plenary speaker at) underscore the importance of collaboration between venues, nonprofits, and businesses to create systems that are practical and scalable. As more strategies are tested and refined, these efforts will hopefully lead to widespread adoption and significant waste reduction.

Passed in 2016, SB 1383 aimed to reduce emissions by diverting organic waste from landfills. A key component of the law requires food recovery from large-scale food generators, such as restaurants with more than 250 seats, grocery stores, hospitals, schools, and similar entities. These organizations donate surplus food to reduce waste and help feed those in need. The regulations, which took effect in 2022, target food waste as a major contributor to landfill methane emissions, accounting for roughly a third of the total. With over one-fifth of California’s population facing food insecurity in 2020, recovering wasted food can also play a crucial role in addressing hunger.

The relationship between compostable packaging and organics recyclers remains complex. At the BPI Summit, industry leaders like the California Compost Coalition and Athens Services explored the ongoing challenges of managing this expanding packaging category. Earlier this month, over 200 composters, packaging manufacturers, and stakeholders met in Berkeley, California, for the second annual BPI Summit to discuss the future of organics recycling. However, when it comes to the future of compostable packaging, the outlook is as murky as compost leachate.

Starting Jan. 1, 2025, California jurisdictions must meet 100 percent of their CalRecycle procurement targets for recovered organic waste products under SB 1383 or face steep fines. However, many will struggle due to a shortage of facilities capable of producing the necessary products, according to Agromin CEO Bill Camarillo. CalRecycle estimates that an additional 20 to 25 million tons of organic waste must be processed into compost, mulch, or biogas, requiring the development of 50 to 100 new or expanded recycling facilities to meet the state’s procurement demands.

California’s organics diversion mandate is entering its ‘adolescence,’ as new laws continue to shape its development. While the requirement to divert organic waste is no longer in its early stages, recent legislation suggests that challenges and adjustments remain as the system matures.