(Photo courtesy of The Environmental Center)
The Rethink Waste Project is a program of The Environmental Center that envisions a community that understands the upstream and downstream impacts of using Earth’s resources and makes responsible decisions about the consumption, use, and disposal of materials.
Through education, resources, and engagement activities, the RWP goal is to empower Deschutes County residents, visitors, and businesses to prevent waste and then recover as much as possible.
If you are interested in rethinking waste at your business or place of work, we recommend you start with reduce, reuse, and repair. These actions fall in the waste hierarchy before recycling, as they can make some of the biggest impacts and keep materials that are already in use out of the waste system. Here are some tips to get started:
Food waste: Food and beverage is Oregon’s 2nd largest contributor of greenhouse gasses! Be a leader —sign your business up for food waste pick-up and turn your food scraps into nutrient rich soil instead. Find out how at rethinkwasteproject.org/foodwastepickup.
Choose reuse (the truth about “compostables”): In Oregon, compostable dishware is actually not compostable because it takes much longer to break down. Plus, it often has a larger environmental footprint. Switch to reusable dishware instead! Learn more at rethinkwasteproject.org/rethinkcompostables.
Another resource offered by the RWP is the Community Innovation Fund (CIF). This grant program funds projects that address waste where we live, work and play. Individuals, businesses, and community organizations in Deschutes County are encouraged to apply if their project impacts Deschutes County and/or its residents. A portion of projects may also take place at or largely impact visitors/visitor destinations.
CIF projects must have measurable results – for example, the amount of waste reduced, the increase in waste recycled, community members reached, the amount of waste composted, etc. Lastly, project work should support equity and accessibility in our communities.
Past projects have touched on a wide range of waste issues and impacts. Some examples include:
- Creating a system for collecting and composting brewery byproducts in partnership with local farms
- Increasing capacity for gleaning produce to feed people experiencing food insecurity
- Providing all reusable beverage containers at local music festivals
- Delivering education and access to sustainable hygiene products to college students
- …And more!
Learn more about the CIF, and view examples of past projects at RethinkWasteProject.org/CIF. Stay tuned for an informational session on the CIF in January 2025! Be sure you’re up to date on this and other RWP announcements by subscribing to the Rethink Waste monthly e-newsletter.
