IT’S A NEW YEAR!
Spokane Zero Waste is kicking off 2025 with this year’s legislative session.
by Shenandoah Marr
If you are frustrated with waste issues, and you should be, we invite you to join us in the changemaking process. Sign up for Action Alerts from our collaborators at 350 Washington for simple and fast actions you can take to make your opinion count. We also invite you to join us and our friends at 350 Spokane on 1/23, 6:30pm at the Community Building for an in person discussion of our legislative priorities.
Our main priority bill this year is the Recycling Reform Act (HB 1150) that would establish a product stewardship program for packaging, help ensure materials are actually recycled, and reduce the amount of plastic being used. This bills first hearing is Tuesday, January 21, 4:00 PM – House Environment Committee.Take your first action now by going to the bills page and signing in “SUPPORT” before 3pm on Tuesday 1/21.
You may remember the “WRAP act” that was introduced in 2022 and again in 2023, followed by the “REWRAP act in 2024. This is the fourth year for this bill to come before our legislators, getting it passed would result in less packaging, less packaging waste and reduced recycling costs for you and me. SZW strongly believes it's time for those that make the waste to be held accountable, we hope you agree.
Besides the Recycling Reform Act, we are also paying close attention to a likely Bottle Bill that would introduce a deposit/return system for aluminum beverage containers to increase recycling; a Right to Repair bill that would allow tradespeople to be better equipped to repair electronics instead of trashing them; and a Compost and Food Donation bill that would help keep methane producing organics out of the waste stream, reduce food waste, and improve composting. Other waste related bills we’re watching address battery recycling, mattress recycling, forever chemicals, and fast fashion.
During the state legislative session, all Washington residents can weigh in on issues our lawmakers are working on. (Find out who your elected reps are and how to contact them here. ) You can do this by signing in “pro” or “con” on a proposed piece of legislation. This action takes less than a minute and does not require you to prepare a speech, make a phone call, or write a letter. Signing in with your position tells the group of lawmakers how voters are feeling about a proposed policy
As bills advance, you also have the opportunity to send short statements about why you do or don’t support a policy. For example you can state that you support the Recycling Reform Act because you’re concerned about microplastics and their effect on human and wildlife health, our habitats including the River and the cost of their collection.
If you are eager to participate but have questions or are unsure, contact SZW board member and legislative lead Shenandoah Marr at Shenandoah@spokanezerowaste.org
Our hearts and minds are in L.A.
It’s a frightful scene, the devastation in Los Angeles. We know these next weeks and months are going to be extremely difficult for those who have lost everything in the fire storms and for the communities at large to rebuild their lives. We offer our heartfelt support to Spokanites with friends and families in the affected areas and to the residents of Los Angeles.
Members of the Spokane Zero Waste Board know people affected by these fires and we are heartbroken for them. We are also acutely aware how burning fossil fuels contributes to extreme weather that has caused these destructive fires. Fossil fuels are extracted and burned to make plastics and synthetic clothing. Another greenhouse gas, methane, is produced when organic materials such as food and yard clippings are put into an environment with low oxygen (such as a landfill). Our mission of creating systems that reduce waste by prioritizing repair, reuse and repurpose along with reducing consumption not only reduces waste but helps to mitigate the climate crisis and preserve communities.
Voice your opinion on Spokane’s climate and resiliency planning work!
More Winter rain and less snowpack, increasing wildfire smoke, drought, and excessive heat are all signs of our rapidly changing climate here in Spokane. The City of Spokane is working to support community resilience in response to these growing climate hazards. Part of this work is to update the city's Comprehensive Plan, which guides the city’s growth and development. Take Spokane’s Climate Planning Survey by January 31st to share your voice!
Upcoming Events
Don’t miss out on our classes and Mend-It Cafe in Feb!
SZW is pleased to announce Tori Thurman as Upcycle Fashion Lab’s
Education Development Coordinator
If you’ve been to a Mend-It Cafe, you’ve probably met Tori, she’s the one in the colorful outfit wearing a great big smile. We are so happy to welcome her to this new position and have her be a part of Spokane Zero Waste’s development.
Tori brings her background in education development, her amazing skills in all manner of mending, sewing and crafting and her bright and welcoming personality to the task of developing and managing SZW’s Upcycle Fashion Lab classes.
Speaking of classes, we’re gearing up for this year’s offerings. Whether you’ve never sewn before or have the skills to make a garment we'll have a class for you that also delivers the zero waste principles of reuse, repair and repurpose. Help us design the class you want to take by filling out this quick survey.
Are you a sewist? Want to become a mender, teacher or assist in our programs? We’d love to hear from you. Send our Volunteer Coordinator Sarah Marr a note at volunteerszw@spokanezerowaste.org
Help support our programs and the people who make them possible - donate today
SZW Partners on a New County Program!
We know you’re passionate about waste reduction and creating a sustainable future, now there's a program for you. The Spokane County Waste Ambassador program empowers community members to make a difference through improved practices, ongoing education, innovation, and volunteerism.
This program takes a broad approach to waste reduction, delving into topics like food waste, composting, litter, textile waste, and the climate impacts of materials management. You'll also gain insight into our local waste systems and how to drive meaningful change.
How to Get Started:
Register for a one-time orientation and begin your journey to improving the health and well-being of people and the planet.
Program Commitments:
Attend a one-time orientation.
Participate in educational or volunteer activities at least twice a year.
Subscribe to the online newsletter.
Pledge to share your knowledge with others.
Be a part of the solution—join us in making Spokane a cleaner, greener place to live!
Here’s the link to register: Spokane County Waste Ambassador program
