About Zero Waste Block Leaders:

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*car batteries will not be accepted during this event.

If you can’t make it, you can still recycle your batteries by dropping them off for recycling at a participating location throughout the year.

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Why did you decide to become a Zero Waste Block Leader?

I have always been passionate about recycling and sustainable waste management. I love donating things to groups that can get the most benefit out of them. When I heard about the Zero Waste Block Leader program in 2014 I was so excited to participate. I have learned a ton about ARR and their services, and I really geek out on how these things work. I also wanted to be involved in my neighborhood, especially after seeing what was turning up in trash and recycling carts. The decision to volunteer my time as a Zero Waste Block Leader was an easy one for me to make.

What are some fun ways you introduce zero waste to your neighbors?

I use multiple communication methods to reach as many of my neighbors as I can. I regularly post on our neighborhood’s social media sites and write quarterly articles for our neighborhood newsletter.  I’ve also started a blog, alittlemore.green, to discuss topics in depth with those who are interested. I also do bulk runs for the neighborhood to the Recycle & Reuse Drop-off Center.

Which do you prefer more; recycling, composting or reuse?

This is such a tough question! I’ll pick reuse. I’ve always been fascinated by the WWII posters that promoted the collection of basically everything to be reused for the war effort. I like the mental challenge of deciding how best to reuse something, where to donate materials, or if a repair service is available for an item.

What are some challenges you face trying to be more Zero Waste and how do you overcome them?

When I had my son we backed off a bit from being Zero Waste just to make our lives less stressful (fewer things to think about). As he gets older and more involved and responsible I’m looking forward to reintroducing Zero Waste practices again, like bulk product shopping with our own containers. I’ve learned that you can make small gradual changes that do make a difference when we all participate.

How have you made the Zero Waste lifestyle easier to follow in your home, for your family, or with your neighbors?

We have all our kitchen bins in one pull-out drawer and they’re all separated for trash, recycling, compost and plastic bags/film collection. Having everything in one spot makes it fast and easy. My husband leaves out what he’s not sure about and we talk about it. My family, friends and neighbors will send me questions. I love getting random 9pm questions about if ice cream cartons can be recycled, or the after-breakfast question if bacon grease can be composted! I make sure I am talking about what my family is doing, questions I get and what ARR and Austin are trying to accomplish. My neighbors seem to really connect with our story as a real local family dealing with Austin living.

What do you think is the best way to reduce the materials we use every day?

I think the best way to reduce waste is by bringing your own reusable containers, especially at the grocery store and on-the-go for drinks. I love when I discover a store or business that rewards people who bring their own containers to take away groceries or gives a discount for using your own cup. If we could encourage that activity in other businesses in Austin it would cut out unneeded packaging in a big way. It can be another “weird” thing we do!

What do you do with non-recyclable material?

I’m glad to say we don’t have much. I take what we do have to the Recycle & Reuse Drop-off Center or donate to local groups, and when I’ve completely run out of options it does end up in our trash. I do not have any of the all-in-one type TerraCycle boxes for the extremely small amount of legitimate trash we have. Perhaps I’ll ask for one for Christmas though!

What do you look forward to the most this coming year?

I started the Mueller Recycling Group for neighbors and businesses to discuss, collect and recycle more difficult items like mascara wands and contact lenses.
I am excited to grow the group and help our neighborhood businesses become more educated about recycling and composting opportunities for their business-specific products and by-products.

Are there any uncommon ways you’ve incorporated zero waste into your lifestyle?

One thing we do that may be uncommon is trying to buy reused or post-consumer recycled products for pet care for our three dogs. We shop for pet supplies on reuse websites and donate any equipment or prescriptions we can back to vet clinics in need. We groom them ourselves, and all their pet hair goes in the compost. We buy most of our food and treats in bulk and use post-consumer recycled dog waste bags.

What are some fun ways you get your child involved?

My son is very enthusiastic about putting recyclables and compostables in the right bins. He even likes to pick up litter when we are out at parks. We talk about the different materials things are made of and which items go in which bins. He has also attended a few neighborhood events with me and likes to help handing out brochures.

 

Please note – editorials and sponsored posts are written by guest writers to inform and educate the community on a variety of different viewpoints, as well as to share information about local eco-friendly businesses and organizations. However, they do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Austin EcoNetwork.

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Are you passionate about reducing, reusing and recycling in your community? Serve as a resource for your friends and neighbors by joining our Zero Waste Block Leader program!

We’re hosting a free Zero Waste Block Leader orientation Saturday, May 11. Come to learn more about the program, the City’s Zero Waste goals, and how you can help make a difference in getting Austin closer to those goals. For more information, visit austintexas.gov/zerowasteblockleader.

Please RSVP by securing a free ticket, so we can get an accurate headcount.

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If you are passionate about reducing, reusing and recycling in your community and want to serve as a resource for your friends and neighbors, join our Zero Waste Block Leader program!

We are hosting a Zero Waste Block Leader orientation Saturday, March 23 where you can come to learn more about the program, about the City’s Zero Waste goals, and how you can help make a difference in getting Austin closer to our zero waste goals. Visit austintexas.gov/zerowasteblockleader for more information and to sign-up.

Please be sure to use the Eventbrite link to RSVP so we can get an accurate headcount. RSVP here. Please do not print your ticket.

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Thank you for your interest in the Zero Waste Block Leader program. Please join us at the orientation session to get started!

Orientation is the first step in becoming an active Block Leader, and it is required of everyone. At orientation you will receive the educational materials we’ve designed specifically for Block Leader use, training on Austin Resource Recovery programs & services, including what can and cannot be recycled, and an opportunity to get your questions answered about all things Zero Waste. Once you have attended orientation, you will then begin receiving invitations to tours and additional trainings and networking meetups offered only to Block Leaders who are active in the program.

If this orientation session is full, or you are unable to attend on this date, please email block.leader@austintexas.gov, or call 512-974-2744, to discuss options. We can work with you on a time that is more convenient!

You can RSVP here.

More about Zero Waste Block Leaders

Austin Resource Recovery is currently looking for Zero Waste Block Leaders to help answer recycling, composting, and waste questions in neighborhoods throughout the city. Block leaders are not the recycling police. They are meant to be a resource, to help neighbors collectively work toward reducing Austin’s waste.

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The Block Leader’s mission is to unite the community to promote environmental issues and lead the effort in creating a cleaner, greener Austin. Block Leaders are a resource in their communities, helping guide their neighbors and friends in how to reduce, reuse, recycle and compost materials so they stay out of our landfill.  Block Leaders serve an important role in helping Austin become a Zero Waste leader.

Orientation is the first step in becoming an active Block Leader, and it is required of everyone. At orientation you will receive the educational materials we’ve designed specifically for Block Leader use, training on Austin Resource Recovery programs & services, including what can and cannot be recycled, and an opportunity to get your questions answered about all things Zero Waste. Once you have attended orientation, you will then begin receiving invitations to tours and additional trainings and networking meetups offered only to Block Leaders who are active in the program.

We offer orientations on a quarterly basis. More dates are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/o/austin-resource-recovery-zero-waste-block-leader-program-6522209097 .

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Wish you could do more to help reduce the amount of trash that is sent to the landfill in Austin? Now’s your chance to take some real action.

Registration is now open for the next Zero Waste Block Leader Orientation, sponsored by Austin Resource Recovery. Zero Waste Block Leaders are volunteers who help to answer questions and guide their neighbors in reducing, reusing, recycling, and composting materials.

In essence, their mission is to unite the community in promoting environmental issues and to lead the effort in creating a cleaner, greener Austin.

Does this sound like a mission you’d like to take on? You can sign up for Zero Waste Block Leader Orientation here>>

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