Reduce Waste Chicago

Climate change doesn't have a single fix. It never did.

But here's what we know: every small choice adds up. Every conversation shifts minds. Every shifted mind moves communities. Every community shapes policy.

Change doesn't start at the top — it starts with each of us, and it grows from there.

So skip the single-use. Repair before you replace. Talk to your neighbor. Show up and vote. Push for better.

No single act will save the planet. But millions of us deciding enough is enough? That can change everything.

We got this. 🌎

It's our 5th birthday -- and this map is what five years of your support looks like.

33 wards' worth of collection events, tabling days, school collaborations, and holiday lights drop-off locations.

Reducing waste should be easier for everyone. Help us keep showing up — in every ward and beyond. Link in comments. 🌎

It’s our birthday! 🎉

It began with an email to 20 neighbors, asking for their old toothbrushes. A year later, on April 17, 2021, it turned into our first Reuse & Recycling Pop-Up.

✨ Today, Reduce Waste Chicago turns 5 — and we have 50 wishes. ✨

Not just to reach every ward in Chicago, but to show up in them consistently, year after year, until systems improve, policies change and doing the right thing for the planet is the easiest thing in the world.

In five years, we’ve diverted 85,000+ pounds of material from Chicago’s landfills, reached 33 of the city’s 50 wards, and been joined by more than 300 volunteers who believe what we believe: the problem isn’t that people don’t care. It’s that with our current systems, it’s too difficult to act on that care.

Today we’re launching a two-week campaign to help each of our 50 wishes come true. Our goal: $5,000 by May 1.

Every gift is a step closer. Link in comment. 💙

Yesterday was my second visit with the Lindblom Ambassadors, student leaders at Lindblom Math & Science Academy . While we’ve been discussing ways to reduce waste and the circular economy, they’ve also been hard at work planning a mini Reuse & Recycling Pop-Up for their school.

Thank you, Ms. Keene, for inviting Reduce Waste Chicago into your classroom, and Pastor Sam of Garden City Church Chicago, for facilitating collaboration.

Can’t wait for April 29 (during periods A, B and C, for you Eagles out there) — this is going to be fun!