Waste Free Greenwich is hosting the 3rd annual ReThink Waste Fair on Saturday, April 6 from 11:00am to 3:00pm at the Christ Church Parish Hall.
The fair is an engaging, family-friendly event that explores creative ways to “rethink” our waste through the 6Rs: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle and Rot.
2023 ReThink Waste Fair. Contributed photo
The ReThink Waste Fair raises awareness about the impacts of our current waste management system on public health, the environment and our wallets.
“The event aims to empower residents to adopt simple, sustainable practices, like food scrap recycling and swapping single use for reusables, and to support solutions to Connecticut’s waste crisis. There’s a better way than throw away,” said Julie DesChamps, founder and chair of the local nonprofit Waste Free Greenwich.
Activities include eco-friendly vendors, composting information, silent auction, arts and crafts projects, book exchange, interactive exhibits and more. Vendors will offer low waste products from reusable wares and vintage clothing to kitchen tools and beauty products to inspire a sustainable lifestyle, while local community partners will share practical tips and information through interactive activities and exhibits.
Starting at noon, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will kick off the CT Food Waste Prevention Week. First Selectman Camillo and town officials will issue an Earth Day Proclamation.
The Greenwich Sustainability Committee will announce the recipients of the Sustainability Awards. A Fashion Show of upcycled couture designed and created by a group of talented OR nurses will top off the festivities at 1:00 pm.
Pictured: 2023 Sustainability Award winners Andy and Nancy Chapin, Sally Davies, Bob and Jan DeAngelo, Karen DeWahl, Isabelle Harper, Matt and Alana Kontos, Thomas McQuillan. Missing: Isabel and Peter Malkin, Kelly Repaci, Karina Pruitt. April 1, 2023 Photo: Leslie Yager
The fair also features a drive for a host of hard to recycle items from plastic film and textiles to batteries and more. Safely recycle electronics, like computers, VCRs, cameras and televisions, for free with NewTech Recycling.
RECYCLING DRIVE
Start gathering those hard to recycle items and bring them to the fair to be recycled properly and responsibility. Following are some of the items we will be collecting. Click on the items for collection guidelines and donation partners. Waste Free Greenwich is also collecting unopened, unexpired food donations and personal care products for Neighbor to Neighbor.
Drop off cell phones for Cell Phones for Soldiers and eyeglasses for the Lions Club. New and gently used school supplies will be collected for the Stamford Boys and Girls Club, and trial size toiletries will be donated to New Covenant Center.
For a full listing of accepted items for the recycling drive, donation guidelines and partners and to register for the event:
https://www.wastefreegreenwich.org/events/2024/4/6/rethink-waste-fair
See also:
Greenwich Sustainability Committee Announces 2024 Award Winners