Tips for Going Waste-Free
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Reusables
We kept Reusable first on the list because they are such easy and sustainable swaps! A great practice is to put each one of these in the back of your car, so you’re prepared while on-the-go.
Water bottles
Coffee travel mugs
Make sure your coffee shop allows them
Cloth napkins
Metal straws
Large grocery bags
If you have your own grocery bags at checkout, make sure you tell the cashier so they won’t use plastic.
Produce bags
To-go containers, for unfinished food from a restaurant
Arts & Crafts
Homemade glue/tape: Making homemade tape further helps cut down on the use and reliance of plastic. This is because most tape is made out of plastic, which is single-use and cannot be recycled, and that plastic adds up. While there are some heavy-duty tasks that demand regular (plastic) tape—or painting projects that require masking/painters tape—we have found that a lot of projects can be accomplished with the homemade stuff, which can be composted when finished. Put the wheat paste on small strips of paper to create pieces of tape, personalized labels, tape a cardboard box, or to hang a poster. It only takes 10 minutes to make and can live in the fridge in a jar for months. Also, you can make strips ahead of time! Zero Waste Chef provides some great insight into how to make it. Click here.
Furoshiki wraps: a Japanese practice of wrapping gifts in fabric, a great swap from wrapping paper and it makes the gift look beautiful and unique. Not all wrapping paper can be recycled, and even then much of it still ends up in the landfill. Grab some fabric from around the house, get some from the thrift store, or purchase these amazing wraps from Pink Moon Goods, and try them out. Here are 3 easy ways to make furoshiki.
Use up what you have before buying new.
Cleaning
To cut down on plastic containers (and get more “clean for your dollar”) look at these options:
DIY cleaning products (like all-purpose cleaner, laundry detergent, etc.)
Buy other eco friendly cleaning products, such as:
Replace paper towels with cleaning rags and hand towels. This can help save money, and cloth towels can clean up messes without breaking apart
Replace your Swiffer (which uses disposable Swift pads) with a more sustainable mop, such as the Quick Loop, or a mop that you can attach cleaning rags to the bottom, and toss in the laundry when finished
Cleaning your nose
Think about switching to a handkerchief or squares of soft fabric–or compost those tissues!
Cleaning your bum
The average American uses 140 rolls (28 lbs) of toilet paper per year. That’s a lot of trees just to use the bathroom!
To stop buying toilet paper wrapped in plastic, look at Who Gives a Crap toilet paper or Tushy’s toilet paper
Consider elevating your bathroom and purchase a bidet (Tushy has these too)
| Store | Description | Can You Bring Your Own Container? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleaning and care products (“home, body, face, hair”), food storage, and make-up. | Yes, BYOC. They also have containers available if you need one. Other products are put in glass jars, wood, or compostable paper tubes. | Jars/Containers: have the tare weight written down ahead of time, or an employee will weigh the container and write the tare weight before you fill it. | |
| Ethically sourced home goods; handmade cards; kitchen, gardening, and cleaning tools. | Yes, BYOC. They also have containers available if you need one. Other products are put in glass jars, wood, or compostable paper tubes. | Jars/containers: most items are packaged already, in sustainable packaging | |
| Located in Second St. Market, Fox in Socks sells items such as comfy hand crocheted socks, bath bombs, soaps, and body scrubs. | No BYOC, but many of Fox in Socks’ products are put in compostable containers. Does allow personal grocery bags at check out. | Ask the owner for any assistance you may have. |
Look around your house and see what sustainable switches you can make.
Everything we use and do can be done to care for other people and the earth!
Clothing
Be mindful of where you buy your clothes and how they are made, and how often you purchase. One sustainable mindset is to be aware of Fast Fashion. Fast Fashion is a movement in which much of the clothing sold in the U.S. is made overseas (or even in the U.S.) with cheaper, plastic-based fabrics and in sweatshops. Fast Fashion wants us as consumers, or “customers,” to give in to instant gratification, buying the latest, trendy item of clothing whether we need it or not. In fact, studies show that there are now 52 micro-seasons in a year, instead of the normal 4. And with the rise of influencers and social media, there has been a trend of people not wanting to be seen in the same outfit more than once. The end-of-life for an article of clothing is hurting our environment as well, with much of it sitting in landfills.
Here are some other things to think about:
Every year the number of clothes made is roughly the same as the number of humans who have ever lived - about 100 billion. So every year more clothing is being churned out.
Of the total fiber input used for clothing, 87% is incinerated or disposed of in a landfill.
Fabrics like Spandex and Polyester (a plastic-based fabric) takes hundreds of years to decompose. And when they do it releases microplastics into the ground and air. (Source)
As we find ourselves needing to save money, having to buy an article of clothing for an event, for our growing kids, or when we lose weight—it can be difficult to try to fight against fast fashion. Simply try to be aware that where you put your money has power, and 1 simple act of sustainability can add up and positively make a change. And when you are done with your clothes, think about donating it to a friend or thrift store, or if it is unwearable ship it off to be recycled.
How to Fight Fast Fashion:
Try to borrow from a friend instead of buying
If an article of clothing is ripped or broken, try mending it (take it to Marie B. Mobile Mending!)
It’s encouraged to wear your clothes at least 30 times–the average is less than 10 (Zoe Abrams)
Think about purchasing clothing that is ethically made and has little to no polyester
Buy your clothes at a Thrift Store! You will probably find some unique items there, they are probably cheaper, and you are giving it a second life. Here are some in Dayton:
Valley Thrift
Village Discount Thrift
Second Harvest Thrift Store
St. Francis Thrift Store
American Thrift
Salvation Army
St. Vincent de Paul
Goodwill
Clothing Recycling
Cincinnati Recycling and Reuse Hub accepts jeans
Compost
See the different options below for composting!
DIY Composting
| Compost Option | Description | Notes | Resources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Compost Bin or Pile | Compost piles can be the easiest way to start. If you would like the pile contained, many people build a box out of wooden panels, and some even use a tall, large trash can. Just pick a space and toss in the organic material! It does take a little bit of muscle work to rotate the pile with a shovel or rake (every 2 weeks or so) to increase oxidation and decomposition. | Compost piles appear to take up the most space in backyards, and their measurements depend on how wide or tall a person creates the pile. On average, the pile could measure about 5 ft x 5 ft x 5 ft. If you decide to build one, try to find materials for free or through scavenging. Cost: $0-about $75 | |
| Rotating Composting Bin | Very similar to a regular compost pile, except the compost is limited to a container that has a handle to assist with rotation. | Pro: Easier for people with difficulty in lifting heavy objects. This way one doesn’t have to shovel and rotate compost around. Rotating allows for the compost to move around and receive oxygen so it decomposes. Con: Limited space. If the compost bin is too full you cannot put more food scraps in. Cost: $75-$500 (depending on bin size) | |
| Vermicomposting | “The product of earthworm digestion and aerobic decomposition using the activities of micro and macro organisms at room temperature.” | Red wiggler/red earthworms and a bin. It equals about 3 ft L x 2 ft W x 4 ft H. Works well in a small space, even in an apartment! Cost: $30-$150 (depending on equipment) | |
| Bokashi Composting | "The method involves layering kitchen scraps with a Bokashi inoculant in a special bucket. The inoculant consists of either wheat germ, wheat bran, or sawdust combined with molasses and effective microorganisms (EM). The bran/molasses serves as the food for the microorganisms, which are the same natural microorganisms found in soil.” | Pro: “Bokashi composting can be done in a relatively small space since it does not require materials to be fluffed up with air." Con: “The process requires a special airtight bucket or bin with the ability to drain off the liquid that is produced.” Price: $30-$120 | The Basics of Bokashi Composting |
| Composting using Lomi | "Lomi begins by heating and grinding your food waste.* Through the cycle, the sensors measure and control the moisture content and temperature inside while the airflow system provides continuous supply of oxygen. The airflow system also consists of a proprietary dual-filter design that helps neutralize the odor." *With Lomi, you have to use pods, because they help break down the food waste. | Pro: It turns organic matter into usable compost in 8 hours (settings and time differ). This includes meats, dairy, and certain Con: The lid can be finicky, and the bin is bulky (18 in. L x 13 in. W x 12 in. H, at 20 lbs.) To use, it must stay on the countertop. Price: $500 for composter, $50 for pods | |
| Composting using FoodCycler | The FoodCycler takes organic material and grinds it down into compost: "The drying phase is focused on removing moisture from your food waste. The grinding phase continues the drying process, removing any remaining moisture, while the bucket grinding blades agitate and pulverize the food waste. The cooling phase is a safety measure to return the processed food waste to near-room temperature, making it safe to handle. Power usage is minimal during the cooling phase." | Pro: It turns organic matter into usable compost in about 9 hours (settings and time differ). This includes meats, dairy and some bones. Con: It is also bulky (sizes vary). Note: It can't always take items that are compostable. Price: about $500 |
Local Composting Services
| Compost Service | Drop-off or Pick-up | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Pick up Porch pick up in the Dayton area. See website for more details. | Weekly, 1 bucket: $30 per month Weekly, 2 buckets: $40 per month Every other week, 1 bucket: $20 per month | |
| For subscribed members only. Accessible dawn to dusk, carts adjacent to the regular dumpsters. | $10/mo with one time $20 bucket delivery fee upon signing up. | |
| Pink Moon Goods | Drop off. Accessible during the daytime. Brought to you by Waste-Free Dayton and donations from individuals in the community. | Free to use and open to the public. Donations are encouraged to keep it open and to pay it forward for others to use. |
| 2nd St. Market | Drop off. Accessible during the daytime. Brought to you by Waste-Free Dayton and donations from individuals in the community. | Free to use and open to the public. Donations are encouraged to keep it open and to pay it forward for others to use. |
| Drop off Compost Bucket Drop-Off Hours: -Mondays from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm -Saturdays from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm | For $60 a year (only $5/month), you will receive a five-gallon bucket with a sealable lid for your discarded food scraps. |
Cooking and Baking
1 day of the week dedicated to Meal Prep
Plan out your meals for 1-2 weeks and write them down
Make sure some ingredients are used in several of your meals, and not just 1
Cook some of the ingredients ahead of time and store in fridge
Try to list any leftovers that you have in the fridge so you won’t forget about them (like half of that onion that got pushed to the back of the fridge!). Have this listed where everyone can see
As the week goes on and you think of other recipes to make with your aging produce, write those down
“Meals”, “Leftovers”, and “Need to Make”
Make sure that produce is stored correctly in the fridge so it can last longer
Cook on cast iron or non-PFAS cookware. Although it’s handy to have non-stick (Teflon) pans, these “forever chemicals” are harmful to your body and leak into your food. (See this article to learn more). Here are some helpful and healthy alternatives:
Cast iron
Stainless steel
Ceramic
Eating
When throwing a party or having a family gathering, consider sticking with the normal plates, glasses, silverware, and cloth napkins. Not only are you helping save the environment, but others will feel a sense of delight and value using those items.
Most single-use items, such as paper plates, end up sitting in landfills and not compost. Other items, such as plasticware, cannot be recycled and are often found in the ocean.
If you don’t have enough glassware, plates, etc. have your friends contribute some of theirs
If you are worried about cleaning the dishes, gather some friends around you and use that time to chat and clean!
Additionally, when you are out and about, use that metal straw or silverware that you bring with you! (see Reusables above) Tell the server at the restaurant that you don’t need a straw, or when you are in the drive-thru communicate that you don’t need any plasticware. Simple acts like this help inform others that we don’t need single-use items, and you can take heart that you are keeping that item out of the landfill!
Food Recovery
| Organization | Purpose | Location | How Can I Donate? |
|---|---|---|---|
| “Distributions: Our primary distribution method is our free produce stand. Distributions are always free, unregulated and open to anyone with no questions asked. We encourage people to take what they want, try new things and take for others. Pickups: We pickup surplus wholesome food from home gardeners, farms, grocery stores, and other Dayton area non-profits.” | The Greater Dayton Area | Go to their to give money, food, and/or sign up to volunteer! | |
| “The mission of The Foodbank is to eliminate hunger and its root causes. Food and related supplies are distributed to a network of pantries, community kitchens, shelters and other charitable programs, all of which support the health and development of food-insecure individuals in Montgomery, Greene, and Preble Counties.” If you need food, go to the website to find information about Mobile Pantries, Senior Box Program, | Montgomery County, Greene County, Preble County | You can give your time, money, and food to the Foodbank. | |
| “Miami Valley Meals (MVM) recovers and transforms donated food into meals which are then distributed through a network of nonprofit partner organizations that feed the hungry. We provide nourishing meals made with love that honor the dignity of people in need.” | MVM partners with other nonprofits who distribute meals in the Greater Dayton Area. | MVM is always grateful to have volunteers. People can also give financially. If you are interested in becoming a partner and receiving meals, click here. | |
| “Our chef based model utilizes our volunteer network to rescue perishables from farms, grocers and wholesalers. Our highly talented transform team of chefs and volunteers transform this food into healthy soupes and meals. Our soupes and meals are distributed to roughly 150 share partners that feed the food insecure and are available to purchase at our retail storefront. We have a well established program of rescuing prepared overages from restaurants and catering and deliver directly to agencies that feed the hungry.” | La Soupe partners with other nonprofits to distribute food throughout the Cincinnati area. Partners are located from Aurora to Batavia and from Covington to Lebanon. | You can donate time and money to La Soupe. Visit their website for more information.a chance to invite your friends together over a shared meal and learn about the mission of La Soupe, food insecurity, and more. | |
| “Extra produce to share? Home gardeners around the country are using Fresh Food Connect to share produce for hunger relief in their own communities. Our free mobile app connects you to a local hunger relief organization, making it easy to schedule and track your donations all season long.” | “Our network of 60 nonprofit food access and hunger relief organizations across 20 states accepts donations of homegrown produce through the Fresh Food Connect app. In turn, they distribute the produce through community-led food distribution programs. This ensures homegrown food stays hyperlocal, and has the most impact in the community.” | Get the App Or |
When you pay for a sustainable product, know that it is helping other people as well as the earth.
Grocery
Most stores (if not all) allow reusable grocery bags and produce bags
For apples, green beans, brussels sprouts, etc.
If you have your own grocery bags at checkout, make sure you tell the cashier so they won’t use plastic. Sometimes self-checkout is easier when using your own bags.
If you forget your grocery bags, try to use paper at checkout. Then reuse the bags later, or recycle/compost them.
Plan ahead with a list: buy only what you need to try to reduce waste (and save money!)
Try to purchase items with packaging that has glass or cardboard, to ensure it is recyclable
| Store | Description | Can You Bring Your Own Container? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulk section of dry goods (oats, nuts, rice, beans, chocolate covered nuts and raisins) | Yes, BYOC. Make sure the PLU# is written down somewhere and you know what is in each bag. | -Cloth bags: use without taring. Can use self-checkout -Jars/heavier containers: Make sure to have the tare weight on the container. Checkout with cashier so they can use their scale to input tare weight. | |
| Bulk section of seasonings, herbs, and teas. | Yes, BYOC. Make sure you know what is in each container. | Jars/containers: have the tare weight written down ahead of time. Cashier has to weigh any amount of herbs bought, regardless of container or plastic bag. | |
| Health Foods Unlimited | Yes, BYOC Or use a small plastic bag provided, which you can rinse out, dry, and reuse again. Or recycle it. | Ask employees for assistance. They will tare your containers and fill it for you. There will be a PLU# sticker for each item. | |
| Whole Foods (Dayton Location) | Bulk section of dry goods (oats, nuts, rice, beans, chocolate covered nuts and raisins) | No, cannot BYOC–use paper bags provided and reuse/recycle or compost later | Write the PLU# before filling and on the bottom half of the bag. When you fold the paper bag the cashier can still see the PLU# |
(For a list of other Farmers Markets in Dayton, | Locally grown vegetables, fruits, bread, mushrooms, eggs, native plants, and more. | Yes, BYOC. However, check with the vendor/farmer first. Some vendors will have plastic-free packaging, mostly in regards to loose produce. | If you have your own grocery bags at checkout, make sure you tell the cashier so they won’t use plastic. |
Parks and Plants
FiveRivers MetroParks: “Five Rivers MetroParks is a regional public park system consisting of conservatories and outdoor recreation and education facilities that serve the Dayton metropolitan area. The name Five Rivers MetroParks comes from five major waterways that converge in Dayton.” You can find numerous activities for all ages, sites for camping, and featured programs like composting and gardening—these programs are designed to inspire people to explore nature and the areas around Dayton.
Tadmor Greenes: a native plant shop in the Dayton area
Often found at Second St. Market
See website and social media for more information and updates!
Recycling
Recycling is pretty accessible in the Dayton area, and it is important to know what is recyclable and where to put it (see list of options below). Places like the Washington Township RecPlex and the Cincinnati Recycling and Reuse Hub are wonderful resources to increase our recycling options and take better care of the planet! When those twisty ties add up, or those plastic take-out containers take over our kitchen, load them up and drop them off at a recycling center.
However, when items are recycled they are usually down-cycled and at some point become limited in how it can be recycled. Additionally, it is cheaper for companies to use virgin plastic to make their products, so their incentive to recycle goes away. The 100,000 ft view: it doesn’t make sense to recycle economically or environmentally in the long run. And while these recycling services accept numerous types of items, it is best to:
1) move away from harmful chemicals like in Febreze Air and processed foods like in Entenmann’s
2) begin to limit your consumption of single-use plastic and plastic overall so that our earth and humans can be cleaner and healthier.
One thing is for certain: Recycling is better than sending it to the landfill—but we can’t recycle our way out of this plastic issue. Trying to go waste-free is best. If we all work together and challenge large companies to stop using so much plastic, we will make a difference!
| Recycling Service | Notes | Notes | Process of Drop-off |
|---|---|---|---|
(Creative Commons is the building on the East side) | The Washington Township RecPlex has Terracycle boxes that accept the following items (see website for more details on each item): -Batteries -Bimbo® Bakeries -Packaging-Biotrue® -Eye Care Packaging -Brita® Products and Packaging -Candy Wrappers (Now Year Round!) -Colgate® Oral Care Products -Packaging-Dunkin'® Coffee -Entenmann's Little Bites® -Febreze Air Care | (Cont.) -GoGo squeeZ® -GOLDTOE® Socks -Hair Care & Skincare -Kroger® Our Brands flexible plastic packaging -Off the Eaten Path® -Pet Food Packaging -Razors -Swiffer® Refills -Taco Bell® Sauce Packets -Tom's of Maine and hello Natural Care -Toys & Games -Terracycle Recycling Rewards | -Creativity Commons is committed to sustainability, including proper disposal of hazardous materials as well as recycling -Drop off accepted materials any time during their open hours. -Please make sure the item is fairly clean and place it into the proper box. |
| Pink Moon Goods has a battery recycling kit. Bring your batteries, cell phones, and electronics. They also have a collection for bread tags. | Although the bread tags fall under "reuse" and not "recycle," it still gives the bread tags another life. | See @the_breadtag_project_ for more! | |
Cincinnati Recycling and Reuse Hub “Our mission is to revolutionize how people think about ‘things’ and to provide a place where almost anything can be recycled or reused.” | The CRRH is doing great things and accepts many items to be -coffee bags -twisty ties -eye glasses -flexible film (chip bags) -gently used footwear -jeans/denim -misc. items (see website) -oral care -rigid plastic #1-#7 -store drop off film (see website) -styrofoam (including food containers) -metal -office supplies -PakTechs -plastic cutlery (new and used) -plastic straws -x-ray images. | Binders, corks, egg cartons, eye glasses, wrapped plastic utensils, styrofoam coolers hangers, office supplies, medical items, packing materials, plant pots, tools, greeting cards, creative reuse (fabric), tiles, and more! Light bulbs, Smoke detectors, batteries, tires, car seats, electronic media, ink and toner cartridges, electronics, appliances, bike helmets, string lights, and cables. | All items must be clean, dry, and free of food, human hair, pet hair, lice, cockroaches, spiders, bed bugs, mice, and other pests. -Please schedule deliveries for large items. -Sticker/paper labels on plastic items can stay! It is imperative that items be clean, dry, and free of product. Before you come, visit their hours and their |
Their website provides info for Homes and Businesses. There are guidelines about their recycling program, yard waste removal, and more. | Residents can typically recycle the following items: -Plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs -Glass bottles and jars -Aluminum cans -Steel cans and lids -Paperboard (like cereal boxes) -Cardboard -Office paper -Envelopes and junk mail -Newspapers, magazines and inserts -Telephone books and catalogs -Cartons See more details and downloadable sheet | Not accepted through curbside: -plastic bags -cassette tapes -bed sheets -hangers -metal chains -garden hoses -needles, syringes -polystyrene foam -buckets -car parts -food -light bulbs -drinking glasses -ceramics -pots, pans, and scrap metal. If you are in need of a flyer detailing accepted recyclables, you can find a printout | Curbside Recycling Tips -Mix all items together – no separation required -Empty all bottles, jugs and cans -No need to remove labels -For plastic bottles, empty, crush and reattach lids -For cartons, remove plastic caps and straws -NEVER place medical sharps or needles in the recycling -DON’T use plastic bags To see what happens to your recyclables, |
Program for Hard-to-Recycle Plastics | The Hefty ReNew program, in partnership with Rumpke, will collect plastics that cannot be recycled traditionally and turn them into new resources such as park benches. A sampling of the types of plastics accepted: -Chip bags -Dry mix liners -Candy bar and granola wrappers -Salad and cheese bags -Food storage bags -Styrofoam food containers, cups, plates and bowls -Plastic utensils -Bubble Wrap-Clear plastic overwrap | Available in these local counties: -Butler -Clark -Clermont -Clinton -Darke -Greene -Hamilton -Miami -Montgomery -Miami -Preble -Warren | 1. Request a starter kit or purchase a box of Hefty ReNew bags at a local store such as Kroger, Target, or Wal-Mart. 2. Fill up your bag with accepted plastics. 3. Check with your local municipality to see if you can place the bags in your curbside bin, or your local solid waste district for drop off locations. For Montgomery County Solid Waste Transfer Station, 1001 Encrete Lane, Moraine, OH We will update drop off locations as we learn of them. |
| Here are just a few items they accept: -Adapters and hubs -Battery backup devices -Car and wall chargers -Computers -Earbuds and AirPods® -Keyboards and mice -Ink cartridges -Toner cartridges and drum units | (Cont.) -Batteries -Crayons -Pens and markers -Wooden and mechanical pencils -Phone and iPhone cases -Tablet, iPad and eReader cases -Shredding (cost per pound) -SodaStream® CO2 cylinders | For more on their list and how to drop off, visit their website! |
Running, Hiking, and Camping
| Organization | Description | Location | Sustainability |
|---|---|---|---|
| U&R is a woman-owned local independent business in Dayton. They have been selected as one of the Best Running Stores in America multiple times. Their mission is to provide a place for everyone - every pace, every ability - to enhance their lives through running and walking. “We are one team, bonded by shared love of our community.” They have multiple selections of running shoes to choose from, as well as other athletic gear. | Dayton and Troy | The selection of sustainable shoe brands is impressive. (See this sustainable shoe guide for reference. U&R has most of these at their store, like Asics, Brooks, Hoka, and more). Specifically, the On Brand has the Cyclon™ circularity program; individuals purchase Cyclon shoes from On, send them back to be recycled, and receive a new pair of Cyclon shoes. This is perfect for avid runners who’s shoes wear out quickly. Other On shoes are recycled in different ways, but throughout the whole process their goal is to keep the materials in use. Find more info here. | |
| “Our mission at Base Camp is to encourage and equip our community to engage more consciously with nature - we believe we can accomplish this by following these four paths, which we consider our foundational cornerstones: Adventure, Community Education, and Sustainability.” | Base Camp is currently moving into their first brick-and-mortar location in the Water Street District of downtown Dayton! | Base Camp owners, Brycen and Claire, are “committed to safeguarding nature for ourselves and future generations and believe intentionality is key. While we know nothing is perfect, we aim to partner with companies taking steps toward being better caretakers of our planet, and will walk along with them, and hope to bring others along with us.” With that, Base Camp has done some wonderful things in the Dayton community, such as collaborating with Mission of Mary and participating in the Subaru Outdoor Experience. | |
| Trailhead Trader is a small-business that is owned and operated by Jessica, who loves the outdoors. “I know personally what it is like to enjoy a lot of high adventure sports but not necessarily be able to afford high end gear.” So go to Trailhead Trader to sell your outdoor gear or to purchase gently used gear. With both options, Trailhead Trader is keeping outdoor gear out of landfills and getting people outside to live healthier lives! Outdoor gear Trailhead Trader is accepting: Mountain biking, hiking, camping, climbing, and paddling. Click here for consignment information. | Miamisburg | With both options of donating or purchasing, Trailhead Trader is keeping outdoor gear out of landfills and getting people outside to live healthier lives! | |
| “Patagonia is a designer of outdoor clothing and gear for the silent sports: climbing, surfing, skiing and snowboarding, fly fishing, and trail running.” But they are more than that; Patagonia values sustainability and they watch their footprint, support organizations, and also sell used gear. | Store Locations include authorized dealers like Dick’s Sporting Goods or Up and Running, which can be found in the Greater Dayton area. To find a Patagonia-specific store, go to their store locator. | Patagonia’s involvement in sustainability is exceptional. Overall they watch their footprint, which involves keeping an eye on their materials, ensuring humane working conditions, and looking at where they do business. They also support “grassroots groups working to find solutions to the environmental crisis” by connecting others and even giving out grants to help further environmental projects. Click here to see the different environmental groups Patagonia has listed near Dayton. And lastly, Patagonia sells used gear, helping give items another life and keeping it from going to the landfill. | |
| “Top-brand gear, clothing—and outdoor adventures! Plus rentals, classes, events, expert advice and more.” | The closest REI stores are in Beavercreek and Cincinnati. | REI promotes sustainability by encouraging people to get outdoors and care for the Earth. They also sell gently used items (like hiking backpacks) and host classes (some on cycling, fitness, and stewardship). | |
| "We provide the healing benefits of nature through outdoor activities to youth in the Miami Valley." | Greater Dayton Area | Trailblazing Hope Outdoors provides education for youth, partnering with local schools and programs. They teach about camping, the outdoors, and how to take care of the environment around us. |
Solar Power
Solar United: “Find out if your roof is good for solar, ask questions, and get help with every step of the solar process.”
Miami Valley 2023 Solar and EV Charger Co-op: “Info to help you understand solar, a direct line to ask specific questions, a team that solicits and reviews proposals from solar companies, and community—you’ll join the growing solar movement.”
Transportation
| Name | Description | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Greater Dayton RTA | The local bus service in Dayton and the area surrounding. "RTA operates diesel and electric trolley buses seven days a week, 21 hours a day, and provides services to many citizens within the area." Have a professional chauffeur whisk you around town for only $2 per ride. Buses also include a bike rack for passengers. | See also their and the for those with disabilities who are unable to use regular fixed routes. |
| Drive Electric Dayton | Drive Electric Dayton is a fantastic local organization! It is for owners of electric cars as well as people interested in learning about or buying an electric vehicle (EV) in Dayton and southwest Ohio. | |
| Bike Miami Valley | BMV is a non-profit bicycling advocacy organization. You've probably seen their Learn about bike commuting from a member and their website, which has its own great It has a list of where to find bike trails and where to buy a bike! Join a local chapter today! | |
| Other Transportation | Electric Bikes: search online for previously-owned bikes, or check out | "using the scooters is easy, though riding is not free. Download the Spin app, find a charged scooter in a safe place and go. The scooters are dockless, meaning they can be left anywhere and tracked using built-in GPS." And the "electric scooters are to be ridden with the flow of traffic, either on the street or preferably in the bike lane where possible." |
Other Resources
Waste-Free Dayton
Follow us on Social Media
Sign up for our Newsletter
Become a Member to support us and receive benefits and rewards!
The City of Dayton and Sustainability
The Sustainability Hub, where you can explore projects that are happening in Dayton! Such as Climate Change, Air Pollution, and Renewable Energy.
Sustainability Plan for Dayton, “Strategy for a Sustainable Dayton.”
Sustainability Plan for Montgomery, Ohio
Daily Sustainable Living
Zero Waste Chef (Website, Facebook, and Instagram): “Concerned with the planet’s plastic pollution problem, Anne Marie went plastic-free in 2011.” She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and has since compiled a helpful blog, written a cookbook, and more! All to share with others how she has learned to cut down on waste.
Going Zero Waste (Website, Facebook, and Instagram): “Kathryn Kellogg is the founder of Going Zero Waste a lifestyle website dedicated to helping others live a healthier and more sustainable life. She’s a spokesperson for plastic-free living for National Geographic, Chief Sustainability Officer at the One Movement, and author of 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste which breaks eco-friendly, sustainable living down into an easy step by step process with lots of positivity and love.”
Tiny Waste: a blog of a woman on a journey to cut down waste and plastic. She lists some helpful facts and provides tips for others who might want to join her on the waste-free journey.
Litterless: a website that lists bulk stores around the U.S. Click here to see what Ohio has.
If you have any suggestions or additions to the page, we’d love to hear from you! Just email us at info@wastefreedayton.org.