Zero Waste Day includes online screening
The city of Arcata invites the community to celebrate Zero Waste Day on Monday.
“Zero Waste” is a materials management approach that first prevents waste and then establishes reuse and recycling policies, programs and infrastructure for all materials entering the community. By prioritizing resource management, rather than focusing on waste disposal, Zero Waste principles help conserve natural resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In 2014, Zero Waste Humboldt established Zero Waste Day as an annual event to celebrate local success stories, recognize inspiring models, examine the state of waste reduction work in the community and educate the public about waste reduction projects and programs in Humboldt County.
In honor of Zero Waste Day, Zero Waste Humboldt is hosting a free virtual film screening of “Reuse! Because You Can’t Recycle The Planet” on Monday at 7:30 p.m. All community members are invited, and those interested in attending should email zerowastehumboldt@gmail.com for the link to join in viewing the movie.
The city of Arcata encourages all residents and visitors to adopt Zero Waste habits in their daily lives, and below are some easy waste prevention tips for community members:
• Commit to using reusable shopping bags whenever you go to the store.
• Use reusable water bottles and avoid buying single-use beverage containers whenever possible.
• Plan meals and cook at home. Planning meals ahead of time helps reduce food waste and cooking at home reduces packaging waste.
• Skip the produce bags at the store. Place fruit and veggies directly in the shopping cart and wash them when you get home.
• Compost food and garden scraps. With proof of residency, Arcata residents may purchase an outdoor compost bin for the discounted price of $35 from the Environmental Services Department. Call 707822-8184 for more information.
• Build a portable Zero Waste kit with items like reusable bags, mugs, utensils and food containers and take it with you on the go.
• Buy something only when you really need it and buy second-hand whenever possible. You do not need to buy new or trendy sustainable items when you already have perfectly functional items at home. When something is no longer functional, replace it with a more sustainable and durable item, and be sure to recycle items that are no longer usable. Oftentimes replacement items can be found at antique, vintage, thrift or creative reuse stores, which helps save money and resources.
The city of Arcata is striving to achieve Zero Waste, and has adopted a Zero Waste Action Plan, which is a 10-year plan that identifies waste prevention, reuse and recycling actions residents can practice in their daily lives.
For more information on Arcata’s Zero Waste Action Plan and to find more tips, visit cityofarcata.org or contact the Environmental Services Department at eservices@cityogarcata.org or 707-822-8184.
In honor of Zero Waste Day, Zero Waste Humboldt is hosting a free virtual film screening of “Reuse! Because You Can’t Recycle The Planet” on Monday at 7:30 p.m. All community members are invited, and those interested in attending should email zerowaste humboldt@ gmail.com for the link to join in viewing the movie.