EARTH WEEK: LIVING & WASTING RESPONSIBLY

This post was originally shared in Issue No. 17 on January 2, 2025 (which feels like a really long time ago). Seeing as how it’s Earth Week, which happened to coincide with Bulk Trash pick-up in my neighborhood, I thought this was a perfect time for a refresher on living and wasting responsibly.

I have added a few things, having been a bit more educated in the recycling aspect of things thanks to the classes I attended through Buckeye Civic Institute (BCI). Also, the treasures that found me on Easter Sunday were so good, I just had to update this and share that here too.

LEMONADE

I had been planning on writing this post for a while, mainly out of gratitude for two of my favorite things about living here, and then just as I was about to compose this, I found out one of those things may be changing. 

Because of that, I’ve been mulling over how to make lemonade out of that big, sour lemon and also come to terms with the fact that I may be the bearer of this unfortunate news to you. 

Luckily, making lemonade out life’s lemons happens to be one of my specialties, so I have a solution.

Also, in researching for this, I found out some other pretty useful talkin’ trash info that I’m sharing, 🐝 cause the more you know…

ONE PERSON’S TRASH

Did you know there are several options for disposing of things? One person's trash could truly be another's treasure. Contributing your unwanted goods to the community isn’t just practical - it’s what community is all about and you can spread so much happiness in the process!

Today we’re diving into how you can lighten your load, live a little greener and waste a little smarter. Here are some options:

BULK TRASH

Or “Let the Games Begin” as I like to say as soon as I see the first pile of “junk” on the curb.  I (actually Mr. Buzz at my direction 😆) have snagged so many basically BRAND NEW items from bulk trash!  Mostly all of our backyard patio furniture (a teak patio set like this and 2 loungers like this), an outdoor rug like this and several pots, were happened upon on the side of the road.

Update 04-24-25: In the months since I originally wrote this post, I’ve picked up (literally) a few other things curbside. Which means, I have to carry them home. I know I’m not the only one—the other day I saw a guy struggling to carry both a mini-fridge and a computer monitor down the street. I had to laugh… the struggle is real for a deal.

Probably the most-memorable story, and I have a lot of them, will be the one that just happened this past Easter Sunday when I was out for my morning walk. There, at the side of the road, in a wicker basked (which is what caught my eye, rarely meet a basket I can’t use for something), were two beautiful carved wooden crosses. Now it being Easter and all, I couldn’t help but see the irony in finding them that day, like they had been left there just for me. Pretty magical. Very spiritual.

And then, I had to walk home. Carrying them. A mile. Picture it: me, on Easter Sunday, strolling down the street, with a cross under each arm… I can’t make this stuff up. It has to mean something right?

I’m still laughing about what people must have been thought. If you saw me that day—now you know. I’m a cross carrying girl on a crusade to save bulk trash.

When I asked my friends and when I polled readers about what they thought of bulk trash, the overwhelming majority of people love it too! A few had this to say:

I can’t imagine how many perfectly good items have been saved from the landfill because of bulk trash! This whole “event” - and it’s an EVENT - is one of the best ideas ever, if you ask me. 

THE LEMON

But, nobody asked me and sadly, I have learned that it looks like the way bulk trash will be collected in the future may change. I’m not exactly sure what’s going on with this. I had read that the new plan would be for items to be collected by calling to schedule a pickup. Then yesterday, I see that the 2025 Bulk Trash Schedule was released, so now I’m confused. I plan on getting clarification on that and will clarify and update in The Buzz when I find out.

There are lots of changes happening with regard to the waste management here in Buckeye, and, as I wrote in the main letter today, the City Council is having a meeting about this on January 7th and requests your comments in person.  You can read all about the proposed changes in this report.

While the city may be considering implementing this collection change in an effort to save money, I think it could potentially end up costing more overall, because MORE perfectly good trash is going to need to be picked up and then dumped in the landfill. The way it is now, items are being “pre-sorted” by those of us on a treasure hunt.

If “bulk trash” is ultimately eliminated, I have an alternative solution to disposing of bulky “non-trash” items and it just so happens to be my second favorite thing about living here!

Since the first writing, I haven’t found any new information on the fate of bulk trash. For now, I’m going to just keep thanking my lucky stars that for the time being, nothing’s changed.

BUY NOTHING

I am always surprised to hear that not everyone has heard of “Buy Nothing.”  The Buy Nothing Project began in 2013 as a grassroots movement by a couple on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Their vision was to create a gift economy that fostered sustainability, reduced waste, and strengthened local community connections.

It started as a single Facebook group quickly grew into a global phenomenon, with thousands of groups worldwide. I remember the early days of its inception and how wonky the website was back then; it was an innovative idea but often hard to navigate in the beginning and because so few knew about it, there wasn’t a lot of items changing hands initially.

Luckily now, Buy Nothing Groups operate on platforms like Facebook, connecting members within specific geographical boundaries - which are strictly enforced to ensure easy pickup of items. Within these groups members freely offer items they no longer need or want and request items or services they’re seeking. There is no buying, selling, trading, or bartering—everything is freely given, fostering an atmosphere of generosity and gratitude.

The impact of Buy Nothing Groups is profound. They reduce waste by giving items a second life, strengthen social bonds, and help participants save money by relying less on purchasing new goods. Ultimately, these groups exemplify the power of sharing and sustainability in building more connected, resourceful communities.

Globally, there are 11M participants, 2.6M gifts per month, 245k communities involved, and 14K volunteers!

JUST LET GO

From a personal standpoint, having this as an option has helped me let go of some things that I have been dragging around for years. Like some baby clothing and beautiful handmade blankets that I have had since my sons were born. The lady who picked these items up, sent the sweetest message that brought both me & Mr. Buzz to tears. The generosity of what I see others gifting, has allowed me to loosen the grip on things I’ve been clinging to.

LUCKY ME!

I have also been on the receiving end of some very beautiful things, like the vintage shell chandelier that now hangs in my living room, the stainless steel pan we cook with every day, and the mascara I wear daily.

Most-recently, I requested corks and Evinda Leer Lund & Jennifer Paweleck Bellingrodt came to my rescue in a big way! Between them, they gave me at least 500 corks! Their generosity allowed me to build this cork board to go under our new dart board. (If you need corks, let me know, I have a lot left. 😉)

REDUCE & REUSE

As I was putting this article together, I discovered some pretty staggering statistics on our waste habits. For all the details, I suggest you watch this short series of videos created by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality’s Recycling Coordinator, JB Shaw, but here are CliffNotes about a few of the biggest offenders and some suggested solutions:

• Beverage Containers: Only 50% of cans, less than 9% of plastics, and 26% of glass is recycled. 8M tons end up in the ocean! Please buy your drinks in bulk and use reusable containers whenever possible. As I’ve written before in this post, I buy my water in bulk, use a water dispenser like this one, and drink out of a refillable stainless steel bottle like this one.*

• Plastics: Statistically, collectively in the US, each person uses 1 plastic shopping bag per day, per year. In Denmark, the average person uses 4 bags per year! Plastic to-go containers, storage containers and disposable dinnerware account for additional common items that are found in the ocean and on beaches. Instead, use cloth shopping bags like this (gift some to your friends 😉 ) and storage containers like this. And, instead of using plastic wrap or tin foil, try this.*

• Clothing & Textiles: Did you know that 85% of textiles are burned or end up in a landfill?! That includes the clothing & textiles you donate! Trashie’s goal to solve that problem! I recently ordered the “Rainbow 3 Pack” and have been busy filling my bags with clothing and textiles that are too thrashed to be re-gifted or donated to the animal shelter. They accept any unwanted clothing, shoes, bags, accessories, and linens in any condition. This includes swimwear, underwear and socks! The bags are HUGE and hold up to 40 pounds of textiles each. You earn “TrashieCash™️” for every bag sent back and can use those rewards to shop at other places. Win-win!

RECYCLE

I believe it was way back in Buckeye Civic Institute Class #3 when we visited ‘Water Facilities,’ that I first learned of the term “Contaminated Food Waste.” It was also then that I learned that we here at the Buzz Residence had been making some major recycling faux pas. Chief among them? Throwing dirty food containers (aka contaminated food waste) and plastic grocery bags (which wreak havoc by tangling the sorting machines) in our recycling bin.

Since then, I’ve gotten a much clearer understanding of what should go in the bin. For recycling to actually be effective, only clean, dry and un-bagged items belong in your container. It’s actually pretty simply and easy, here’s the short & sweet list:

• Cardboard (Boxes)

• Metal Cans (Clean)

• Paper (Junk Mail, Newspaper)

• Plastic & Glass Bottles (Clean! If too dirty to easily rinse, toss in trash. Since water is a precious resource, conserving that is the top priority.)

LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD

Clearing the clutter isn’t just about creating physical space; it’s about freeing up mental and emotional space as well. Every item you hold onto carries a piece of your past, and while some of those pieces are treasures, others might contribute to an invisible weight that you don’t even realize you’re carrying. By reducing what no longer serves you, you make room for the new things and opportunities.

The process might not feel easy or comfortable, but it’s worth it. Start small - one drawer, one box, one shelf and watch the momentum build!

Remember, letting go makes space for more. Hopefully, not more clutter, but more mental, physical and financial freedom! And with the resources available here, your generosity doesn’t just help you - it also strengthens our community!

FURTHER RESOURCES

• Listen: If you need help with letting go (like I do), I recommend listening to The Minimalists Podcast. They cover everything!

• Watch: Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy is an eye-opening (and frankly downright nauseating) documentary on consumerism, marketing and the push to get people to buy (more & more & more).

•  Learn: Buckeye, everything you need to know about our local Trash & Recycling can be found here. Goodyear, this handy infographic sets forth everything you need to know.

• Report: If you witness illegal dumping, please call 911, and report all relevant details such as date, time, location, description of person(s), make & model of car.

If we all take small steps individually to reduce our waste imprint, we can make meaningful change collectively! Thank you in advance for your doing your part! ❤️ 

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